How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

from a co-worker that had it done 3yrs ago. being thinner and healthy.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

It is was approved on the 1st try. that if they need it done good for it .and just keep in mind it's just a tool.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

great and no what kind of question too ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Iwent too have my yearly check-up and the scale wt was 308 and my bloodpressure was sky high.on1/22/2007.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I new which 1 I wanted.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

Have peace with the Lord.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My husband is very supportive and my children, family.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

they were very kind about it wishing good luck. I told them Iwas having the surgery. I was out for 3weeks.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

the stay was very good.3 days, personal things you may need,BIBLE comb brush toothpaste toothbrush,slippers,robe,undergarment lotion.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

My bloodpressure was very high.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

didn't have any.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

very painful. too be in a lot of pain an not much sleep.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

5minutes.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

liquid for 15 days . stage 4 1/4 tuna chicken jello water. stage 5 the same but 1 slice of bread wheat per week.1egg oatmeal past not on a daily basis.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

rest the first 2weeks.the 2nd move around more but no driving.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

multi vitamin once a day. 2pepcid before bed and 1 Simethicone-Anti gas relief.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

None.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

pulling the pain buster out.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

every third wensday we have a support group. information from other surgery cases.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

just 4 like marks. no I thought it was going too be worse but its fine think GOD.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

w'ell its been very great at the level i'm on now but the best is ret to come.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no.