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

I saw a bulletin board that was posted by my apartment

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

I didn't have trouble getting approved

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

The first surgeon I saw I was nervous but I really didn't know what questions to ask. I hadn't did my research. Then when I went to see Dr Stewart I did my research. And he explained things I didn't even think to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I discussed it with my husband and we both felt it would be best for me to have the surgery. I trusted Dr Stewart and thought he would do his best.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Because of my weight I knew RNY was best for me.

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 feared that I would die during surgery. Or that something would go wrong and they wouldn't be able to do the surgery. But I prayed and everything went fine.

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 and friends supported me in everyt step of the process. Especially my husband he went to the classes with me and asked questions. And he was there when I awoke from surgery. And took care of me when I got home.

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

I am a housewife my husband took it well

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

My stay in the hospital was great. THe nurses were great. I was there for 3 days. Most important for me was a robe and books or magazines. ANd slippers because you will need to walk after surgery

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

I had no complications

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

The weeks after surgery were tough due to the pain. I didn't take the pain pills prescribe. But I fought throught the pain to succeed.

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

My first few weeks home I depended on my husband to help me alot. He had to help me shower and fix my meals

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

I had to travel 45 minutes to have surgery. It did not affect my aftercare at all. I still travel that far fro my check ups

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.

It was hard finding a protein drink I liked. I tolerated alot of stuff. When it was time to move to vegtables It was hard to keep them down.

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

I really didn't want to do anything days after surgery but my husband made me do my walks.

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

I take a multivitamin pill, Calcium with Vitamin d, And I had to take an extra Vitamin D. For my protein I drunk Atkins

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?

hair loss it lasted about 6 months

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

I didn't have one

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

I haven't been able to go to a group yet

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

It is starting to blend in with my skin. I had keloids and was given steroid shots. I have only one now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at plateu right now since September I have been stuck at 270.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People say I look good