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

I had hear about it in 2001, when I started to really get up there in weight but, thought it was to serious of a surgery and did not know about the complications. I did not think I would ever do it but, wanted it.

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

I was told flat out NO your insurance will not cover it. I wish it would have. I had to pay out of pocket to have my surgery.

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

It was short and sweet I think you should ask as many questions you would like to know. I felt like I went it was like pulling up to a gas pump would you like unleaded-lap band, plus-sleeve preimum- gypass That was weird to me

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of being fat and lazy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the Gastric Sleeve a new procedure. I decided it because I was paying myself for the surgery and I could not afford the bypass the sleeve was the next option having the same results as the bypass. I did not want the lap band to much maintance 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?

20% fear the other was excitement to get the surgery over and start my life I choose a wonderful doctor that has little death and complication and new the stistics going in.

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?

Most were supportive, but there were some that though the idea of it was a easy fix....let me tell you that is the least it is. You really have to change your life.

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

He was wonderful about the surgery, I was out 3 weeks and then was on and off sick with viruses. He was still understanding.

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

It was a pleasant stay very quite. I was there 2 days. You really don't need much a tooth brush....

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

Not really other than I caught every virus and sickness for the next 3 months after my surgery.. it was still worth it though.

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

It was so different then I thought. I did develope depression 1 month after surgery still on medication and it has been 4.5 months. I wish I had someone that was going through it with me that I could talk too.

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

Follow the diet plan they have for you. There is a reason they have developed it. Keep in mind you can't eat like you use to, you will get sick. Make sure you find a good protein drink before your surgery.

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

20 mins.

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 really don't eak much bread anymore, if so just enough to get my craving out of the way. I eat in a whole different way now I make my plate as if I were feeding a infant. It is strange. I eat more meat now to get my protein, but you still need the drinks that is the hard part for me.

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

Not great at first but it gets better everyday.

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

Daily vitamins, iron, b-12, Protien a must. and calcium

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 is the biggest for me. I am still going through it.

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

catching all the sickness going around

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

I really like the OH website. I don't go to support groups yet but think I should.

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

I have 5 small ones. I really don't care about the scars I did this to be healthy not hot and in a bikini.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit a couple but I don't get discoraged you just keep going with the plan. Reavaluate what you could be doing to cause them or if you are not just wait it will still come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really I had confidents then and I still do so that never affected me. I never thought people were staring or laughing at me. I have a really good family.