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

I heard about it on tv and I was excited to learn more.

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

Mine was a battle it was almost 2 years in the getting approved. My best thing for everyone else is DONT GIVE UP, that is what they want you to do.

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

I really felt comfortable with my first meeting. Have a list of questions for them and get your answer right away.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was getting worse and looking at total knee replacement. I wanted to enjoy things with my Grandson that I didnt get to do with my son.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After talking to my Dr. we decided the right one.

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?

The only complication I have had is an ulcer but it is controled with meds so that is great. I had fear of dieing with my health before and now know that it is so much better.

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 has been behind me all the way. My parents were not at first but agree this is the best thing I have ever done for my self.

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

My employer has been behind me all the way. In fact he has had it done also. I was out of work 6 weeks.

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

I had a good stay in the hospital. I was in on tuesday and home friday morning. I was happy to have chap stick and house coat for walking. I also had extra pillows for the ride home really happy had those.

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

I found out Easter I have an ulcer and we are treating it with meds and doing fine.

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

After I found out the date I was happy then sad then happy. I came to this site everyday and read as much as I could.

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

First week was rough but after that each day got better. Just sip and sip and sip and walk and walk and walk. Everyone is different dont compare yourself to everyone else.

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

I was 1 hour away from the hospital.

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

I walked everyday and still do. Just increase as you can.

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

I take 4 optisource tabs a day.

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 was almost 5 months but better now. Not sleeping is still going on some nights.

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

There isnt a worst part its all good.

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

We have a support group that meets once a month here in town.

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

Its a big long scare but I was open so I expected it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havnt had any. I am lucky.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes so do.