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

I was nervous, but I saw it as my magic wand. Nothing else worked, and I wanted to reduce.

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

I did not have insurance, so I knew that I'd pay out of pocket.

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

My first meeting was good, he is very sociable. It wouldnt have hurt if he was more professional.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The continued weight gain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The gastric bypass scared me! Plus it was more money, so I chose the one I could afford.

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?

None.

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 always struggled with their weight. My mom has passed away (from cancer), but my father was concerned with me having surgery, and going to TJ, Mexico. Everyone else in my family was very supportive.

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

I planned the surgery for spring break week at work, so I would not miss class time with my students. My supervisor was very supportive.

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

I went in on the day of the surgery and came out later. The hospital was clean, small and welcoming. An interpreter would have been helpful to bring..lol.

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

None.

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

I felt great, it was the best decision I ever made.

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

It would have been helpful for me to have a better contact afterward to know what to expect and what to eat, I just had to go with my instinct (which of course was too swift up until now).

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

From Colorado, USA to TJ, Mexico.

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.

Initially, it was clear liquids (broths, jello). Then I graduated to soft scrambled eggs, pudding. Breads and steak have not worked well with me. But I do fine with rice.

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

Usual...work, run my child around. Sleep

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

none

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 am losing hair. Is it my diet? Menopause? Medication??

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

No support from surgeon after.

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

none.

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

It is not bad, but wishing it was smaller. I do not think they healed as well as they should have. I had to remove the stitches myself, and the doctor didnt give very good care directions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I seem to gain 2, lose 2, gain 1, lose 2, etc.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet.