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

My aunt had the bypass and it scared me.I wanted it a few years ago but did not think I would do it.

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

I had no ins.cash pay

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

My first meeting was great there were no question unanswered.When you first meet your doctor dont be afraid to ask a question remember everyone there is there for the same reason.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I learned that there were more surgerys out there besides the bypass I looked into it more and decided on the sleeve.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After oreintation I weighed each surgery and decided this was the best for me.The sleeve was less complecations and faster recovery no up keep

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?

Not waking up after surgery,or having complecations afterwards.If you are having the same fears make sure you do alot of studying on the surgery you decide to have .ask questions study study then pray pray till all fears are gone away

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?

Noone said anything to make me feel bad.Afterwards they were great had lots of help had a few friends that wanted to come here and eat in front of me during the first 2 weeks but guess what I made it through and prayed

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

The stay was great,very clean,I stayed over nite,Just a gown or loose pajamas, toothbrush ,hairbrush ,socks,I felt good enough to put on make up the next day.

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

I had no complications at all.

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

Well i was anxious wishing it was happening then.Just talking to everone telling them my good news helped it get here quicker and made me feel better.

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

Well my first week the beginning was ok toward the end of the first week it got a little harder cause I wanted food.Its a head thing the seond week was a little better then the next better.

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

I only was 1 1/2 hours away so the trip was ok.the bumps hurt a little.But it was good

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

when I made it to my 3rd week I had so much energy.I was bouncing off the walls.My daughter said she was scared to get up in the morning scared what I had on the agenda for the day Ha

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

first week flintstone vitamins right now I take one every now and then but I know I need them.I just forget

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?

I had no sickness at all I had little trouble sleeping for first 3 to 4 weeks cause i could not get on my side.But other than that nothing.

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

The little soreness I had .And the head thing about wanting food when my belly said no for aboout 2 weeks

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

The only thing I do is get on obesity help .com.And my husband and kids are wounderful so thats all I need

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

Small small I knew it would be like this cause I had gall bladder out the same way.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes they do.It seems like they look at me more.Or I feel so good that I want them to.