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

Talking to co-workers who had the gastric done and consulting my PCP who first recommended it and I said no, until I realized It maybe the best thing for me. But I was going for the lap band. Didnt know about gall stones until I started experiencing the pain and x-rays showed gall stones. Then I proceded for the gastric.

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

My experience with good. I did all the test that was required and HIP was great. I dont have a problem using the doctors they recommend. All the doctors were good, and professional.

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

My first visit with the surgeon, I was nervous because I didnt know what to expect, but It turned out good. I was 289 wow, didnt think I was that big. So of course, they label you overweight. lol

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After learning about the gall stones, I didnt want to be cut twice, in having the bladder removed and then go back for the lap band. I decided to do it all at one time. So I did the gastric bypass.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After learning about gall stones, it was better to have the gastric bypass.

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?

At first I did, but I trust God and felt good about my decision. I prayed about it, talked to my family and went for it. Im leaning still everyday what works and dont. Prayer is the key to all ur fears!

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?

They were very supportive to those I told. Didnt tell everybody because it was my decision. Some told me the pros and cons of it. But overall they were supportive.

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

That went very well, didnt have any problem with time off and getting forms filled out on time.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was amazing listening and seeing people who did the surgery and what great success they had. I wanted that too and to be healthy.

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

My hospital stay was good. I was there for 3 days. You really dont need nothing too much. PJ's rope and personal things, other then that nothing.

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

No complications, got up and walked around like I was instructed to do.

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 like wow, I really did this. The doctor warned me, not to lay in the bed because if I develop blood clots in my legs I would be gone. So, I got up and out of the bed and stayed out of the bed. I walked around the house just to keep myself moving.

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

I felt good. Did really know what I could eat, so I was slow to eat but protein shakes and took my vitamins like I was instructed to do. Didnt feel like superwomen but took it slow.

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

I didnt have far to travel maybe 12 miles, I didnt have any problem getting to him. He was impressed on how well I looked when he saw me after 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.

I had soups, and protein shakes that my nutritous recommended. I did have grits and eggs but then after awhile I couldnt eat eggs, lol. The told me to eat fish, I couldnt. Somethings until today still will come up depend on how its made. Some days r good and some days the same food will not stay down. Im still learning. I can have cereal and yogurt and fruit cups, thats my main foods. Now I can have a burger eat it slow.

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

I did alot of walking in the house. Until today I have not joined a gym but still walk around the home.

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

regular vitamins and mineral supplemements and calicum.

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 wasnt too bad, seems like It grew some. Vomiting I still experiences, so I just monitor what I eat and chew slow and take my time in eating.

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

The moment after the surgery when they wanted me to get up out of the bed. The worst feeling,felt like the world was going around. lol

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

At the North shore Forest Hills they have a support group meeting. very helpful

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

Yes I have a scar, but Its not so bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not much!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They are suprised when they see me and remember what the size I was before and now, I love it.