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

A doctor told me about it after i had my leg debreeded after having cronic cellulitus.

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

I didnt have any problem but im on medicare.

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

I met my surgeon at a support group my first time trying to do the bariatric program.Study alot online and ask alot of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

believe it or not Love.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the one my surgeon was good at.

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 was so scared the weeks leading up to the surgery.I talked to people I hadnt in years in case I died,but it was worth the risk and still is.You need someone that is in your corner who can calm your nerves.

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 have been very supportive. They want me around many more years to bother them.

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

Im on disability and dont have a boss.

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

I was in the hospital for 2 days and then sent home.Unerwear were the most important thing to me, had to wait till after the catither came out.

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

None yet.

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

A friend who listened and cared.

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

Expect to not eat dont go off the diet.I heard horror stories and I dont want to be "That guy"

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

No,A few miles away.

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.

Im only 2 weeks out im on puree' foods.Clear liquids get old fast and you're so glad to go full liquids. Then after a week you really want food.

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

More mobile

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

Iron pills ,Calcium(OS Cal chewable),Flintstones chewables multivitimin and sublingual B12 2500mg

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?

Nothing like that has happened to me. Im sticking to what my Book says.

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

The amount of money I had to pay even on medicare.

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

None yet

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

I have 6 tiny incisions no big deal.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yeah they like that im shrinking.