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

I first found out at college through a counselor. At first I thought I would have to be pretty desperate to something so permanent and so extreme.

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

Not approved yet.

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

I was intimidated but confident. I should have had questions prepared and been more informed with the handbook. By not being intimidated, he has information you need, get it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was completely unable to get the weight off myself. No matter what I did or how I ate the weight stayed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not have that decision, the doctor only offered one.

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?

I was a little afraid but I can't say that it had any control over my decision. I would ask others if they really think they are going to live without the surgery, not just in the physical sense but also emotionally and spiritually.

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 family is very supportive. My friend had a little trouble at first but when I explained more about the surgery she was supportive as well.

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

My employer is very supportive. I told her my plans from the being and she has been very understanding and happy for me.

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

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

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

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

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

I am traveling fifty miles for the surgery.

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.

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

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

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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?

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

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

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

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Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

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