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

I found out through a friend and my sister also referred me to Dr Ferzli and I was very impressed of how much weight my friend lost in 1 year and her health is so much better

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

Excellent. My insurance approved me for surgery the first request the Dr. placed in for it. Even I was SURPRISED! If it's taking control over there life and they are fustrated this is someting to look into for a better out come and live a better healthier life

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

My first visit was good. I expected more. But he told me to go to the Pre-Op and Post-op Meetings which really helped me more because at the meetings I spoke to patients that actually had the surgery and answered all of my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I went to my Primary doctor July 2006 and he said I had High Blood Pressure and that I had to lose weight

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was undecided until I went to the meetings and heard storied from both proceedures lap and rny

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 have had fear, but so many people have gotten surgery and survived and this web -site also has helped alot of my questions. I would tell people to read up on it.

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 was fine with it but yet leary about it. But they support me which I am greatful for. Especially my 2 daughters and my husband and my sister . I have not had surgery yet. I am scheduled for April 3, 2007 Now after surgery my family is so well sopportive..

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

My employer and Supervisor did not react any different. They support me in my decision and wish me luck. I plan to be out 2 to 3 weeks until my doctor advises me that I can go back to work.

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. I was there for 2-days and they treated me very well. Tooth Brush/tooth paste

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

Thank GOD I have had NO complications from the surgery.

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

Wow, I was so excited but at the same time nervous, and it went by pretty quick.

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

SORE! I felt great but sore on my left side. I was home 2 weeks and it helped alot adjusting to the diet and relaxing.

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

Not Far from Staten Island to Brooklyn New York

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.

Well I am only 2 weeks out of surgery and I went from liquid clear diet to add cream soups,sugarless pudding & jello. Now I can eat mashed potato/baby food-fruit. OFF LIMIT FOODS -SWEETS/ BREAD/CRACKERS/CERTAIN MEATS/SODAS

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

So far I feel good. Activity level about the same before surgery. I am only 2 weeks post op

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

I take 2 Multi-vitamins and 2 Viactive daily 2 in the morning and 2 at night

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?

Thank GOD I have none of those side effects..I must be one of the lucky ones....

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

FEELING SORE AFTER SURGERY , BUT I STARTED WALKING THE SAME NIGHT AND THAT HELPED ALOT.

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

I am going to start going to my support groups at my Doctors office Dr.Ferzli in Staten Island, NY

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

My scars are great vedry small. Yes it is what I expected .

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

NONE

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO