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

An ad in the local paper I didn't want ot have to go to Chicago (7 hrs) He was much closer

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

KEEP ON FIGHTING!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

It was great! Take a pad and pen with some questions you have written down and take notes!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't bear to die and leave my kids and husband. I was almost to the point where I couldn't work due to my obesity.

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

I had one great nurse otherwise I hated that hospital and so did my husband. Four LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG days! Chapstick, vaseline, or anything to put on your lips.

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

Yes. One minor complication taken care of with an outpatient procedure.

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 felt pretty bad the first three weeks and then thigns got better. I chatted on line and spent time with my kids and worked on my studies.

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

You are going to be sore and uncomfortable. It is hard to see your family eat when your drinking broth, but this too shall pass.

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

2 hours. It's hard but it could be worse.

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.

I cannot eat mushrooms they make me terribly sick. I live pretty much on popcorn.

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

I don't go to group at Docs office. Too far!!! I chat online at thinner times and am starting here for variety and to meet more people. It has been invaluable!!

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

Not bad at all. I rub vitamin E oil on it daily.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.