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

Found out my watching television. Was hopeful that it may be an answer.

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

Get everything they ask for. Make sure your list of attemps at weigh loss are documented no matter how small or short lived. Keep trying.

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

My first visit was great. My husband and I listened and were very well informed about the surgery and what I could expect. Dr Blaney made sure we knew the risk. Make sure you write you questions on paper before the visit so you will not forget.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The doctors behavior, and his information on the good and bad.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted long lasting results and bypass surgery was the answer.

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?

It is natural to be afraid, but if this is what you want you will find the way to do it. The Lord helped me with blessing me with a good doctor that I had confidence in. I gave my worries to the Lord and he conforted me.

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 all for it except my husband. He changed his mind slowly. I was up front with everyone from the start. That is the best way I think. My family was great during and after surgery. I did great.

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

My employers were supportive but they did not like any absences. I went to them and told them I was having the surgery and how long I would be out. I made sure they knew everything. I was out 6 weeks

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 good. I was in the hospital 3 days Bring your clothes and makeup and hair care products so you can look your best.

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?

Very excited. I prayed to confort

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

Expect not to consume but spoon size liquids. You will be ok with such small amounts. I was very week.

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

I traveled 60 miles.

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 could not eat cold foods. They cramped my stomach. I did drink protein drinks. Lots of soup. I still have a problem with bread. It takes up to much room in my stomach and I can't eat much with it. I was able to eat solid foot by the 3rd week. It was just a bit here and there. It was a gradual process of finding food that I could tolerate. I had no appitite and have just gotten it back.

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

At first I was very week and I was very slow. The time passed and I have loads of energy. I stay busy.

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

I take iron, B complex, calcium, biotin, and multi vitamin.

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 lose was the worst. My hair is still very thin. I am taking biotin to help grow hair.

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

I really did not have a worst part. I was blessed with very little pain, and just hair loss and stomach ulcers, but all have improved.

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

My family is my support

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

I have very small scars. It is what I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateu

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people treat me alot different. There facial expression are no longer negative. Most people are shocked at my weight loss.