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

I first had lapband surgery in dec 2007, had a post op bad infection. Waited until September 2008 and had vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

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

I had no insurance coverage either time.

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

I stayed two nights, it was fast and up on the feet. I returned to work after one week.

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

No complications yet.

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

I was ready is all I know.

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

The first two days were the worst. Then just trying to figure out what to eat, how much, meds, etc. was difficult until I created a spreadsheet to keep me on track. It works wonderfully.

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

No far (just from Irving to Dallas)

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.

So far, I'm on the liquids (sep2008). So I have tolerated everything so far. Have had no problems yet.

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

Tried to be up a going, walking and doing what I needed to do. it helps to be active after surgery.

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

B-12 sublingual, Bariatric Advantage Multi vitamin,

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?

No side effects yet.

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

Waiting in the doctor office, the EGD hospital, etc. Just waiting to get it over with.

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

Doctors office nurse practitioner care, and etc.

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

I have five small scars from the VSG surgery and 5 from the lapband surgery. But they are all pretty small and should heal well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet.