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

Met someone who had it done and seen her results. I doubted myself that I could do this or even qualify.

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

My family Md would not refer me so I asked for a consult with another Dr. for Weight loss surgery and that is how I got a referral and approval.

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

Asking lots of questions? Research prior.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knees aching, problems finding clothes to fit.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I only researched RNY due to the fact that it was done the longest and more known about the side effects of it.

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 to weigh my options. Either dying early in life or risking it all to be healthier.

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?

against it at first. Some supported me.

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

I changed jobs juring this time off work.

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

Excellent 3 days 2 nights Cell if possible Slippers and housecoat. Personal grooming aides

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

Low BP. Gave extra fluids.

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

Nervous. I did delay a few weeks till I was absolutely sure.

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

Take it easy. Rest lots. Walk lots.

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

Hamilton by plane. Is affecting my work a bit.

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.

coleslaw--to hard to chew. Cannot tolerate eggs, of any sort tough steak too hard regular milk. Went to lactaid milk

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

Good. But I find now I am lacking energy. Too tired from working full time.

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

Matera, calcium asthma med singular

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?

Vomiting my meal if I eat too fast. Still happens at times.

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

Not having my husbands full support from the beginning and financial difficulties due to me being off work for 6-7 weeks and my hubby being off work 9 months.

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

obesity help web friends

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

Reddish in colour.I don't think they will fade. Not planning on having a bikini.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Many but I need to up my protein.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not really