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

My friend had the surgery a year ago, She lost over a 1oo lbs,

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

Keep trying.

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

I went to a seminar, at the Henry Ford Bi-County Hospital in Warren MI

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Iwas tired of being overweight and unconferrable

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew another woman who had the lapban, I studyed both surgerys.

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 had a fear about not making it off the table, I just left it in God's hands

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 wasn't that happy about it at first, I told them I was getting it done either way, with our with out there blessing.

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

I'm retired

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 good. I was there 2 days. lose clothes to come home in.

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

No I had no complications.

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

the worst thing that happended, I went out shopping for my protein drink, I rod in my neighbors van and my feet swelled up for two days after.

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

I drove 100 miles

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.

At first I had trouble eating anything, I gaged every time. I got tired the jello verry fast. I found these suger free pop sickls. I eat fish 2-3 times a week. I stil can't take the chicken.

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

I would go shopping and walk the malls and I would go to the spa and swim.

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

I started taking Flintstons complete. I use Shaklee Protein drinks and dietary supplements.

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?

Nausia was the worst.

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

Getting around for the first week after the surgery.

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

I have been coming to the Obesity support and had my questions answered.

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

My scar is not that bad, Yes it's what I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes