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

I had been looking at it for about 4 years and trying for two years to find out what i had to do to get it done. Then I got pregnant and gained that much more weight. Something had to be done I could not live this way any longer. Because I really wasn't living I was just existing, and that is not who I am I love life too much to be that person I had become.

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

First times a charm. I had already prayed on it

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

Prior to authorization I went to Dr. May's orientation class. That way I had a brief idea of whom my surgeon would be. in addition a slight insight to his disposition. Dr. May made key points of reference to the Gastric bypass / lap band procedures. Also what he expected, what we should expect from each procedure. Before and after.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live not just exist. I love my family and I always put everyone first & I thought I would like to come first this time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Tricare did that for me they only cover 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 fears I had about my life. Being 293lbs at 31 years old. Just had a son about to turn 2 and not being able to play wit him not because I didnt want to but because I couldn't far out weighed the fears I about having complications or even dying from the surgery. Because I already felt dead inside. I would say it is not for everyone but search your self really research it ask all the questions get the info then search yourself again.

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?

For the people that matter most in my life they all love me what ever I decided to do in life so they are still here...

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

I am a stay at home mom but eveyone at my husbands job wants to know what it ti that I am doing...(o:

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

very nice

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?

Not much pain at all

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

Not much pain at all

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

Lawton to Tex

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.

None

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

I went from a 2 level to a 10 level

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?

Nausea, vomiting just took me relearning how to eat. Slowing down with baby forks & spoons. Dumping None. Hair loss None.

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

Not a thing.....

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

None.

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

Almost gone.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Weight loss had slowed down & dropped more inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.