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

Read about Carney Wilson's surgery and asked my doctor at Kaiser about having it done. She was very supportive. I wanted to be set free as Carney was.

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

I had to appeal the first denial then I was approved

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

It was ok. I should of asked more questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Reading Carney Wilsons story.

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 really didnt have fears I figured at the rate I was going I would die without the surgery any how.

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

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

Im self employeed so I was back to work in a week

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

The nurses were great. My stay was fine except that my roommate died on the 3rd day we were there that was really scary. I was in the hospital 4 days. The Most important thing to bring is someone with you. My husband left the same day as my surgery so I was alone through this ordeal It was horible. Bring someone with you for the whole time you are there.

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

No

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 never have had any anxiety but I feel ill alot. I throwup and dump frequently,even now 6 1/2 months later.

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

It was smooth sailing for me. I did and still do feel hungry all the time so that is probably the hardest part of this.

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

I came from Livermore which is in northern ca. I would really of liked having my surgery done closer to home so I could have my monthly appointments at the baratric center.

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 ate cottage cheese, string cheese,yogurt,sugar free pudding,soup, protein drink eveyday for 3-4 months Now I try everything but I don't tolerate alot like meat,raw veggies,or anything hard to digest.

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

I walk walk walk and do weight training three times a week.

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

multi,B150,B12,Iron,ginko,fiber con,

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?

I am 6 1/2 post op and I still am nausias,vomit,dump, my hair falls out.I just live with it.

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

My roommate dying.

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

Just the bymonthly meetings.I really could use more.

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

I have five very small scars I had the lap surgery the only way to go.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had three plateaus since my surgery. I didn't loose anything for that week. I gained weight one time I was eating watermelon like crazy and I gained 3 lbs. 6 1/2 months I have averaged 16lbs a month loss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone compliments me on my loss.