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

I knew people that had it done, Wow this is a start to a beautiful life.

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 proplem with my insurance. I got approved the same day the Doctor ok it. You need to push it .If this is what you realy want.

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

My first meeting was a reality check. I knew i was obese but when he told me I was MORBITLY. I wanted to cry. It hit my like a ton of bricks. When I left his office that day I took a good look at my self in the MIRROR and yes I too saw a FAT 4'11 WOMEN who weiged 225 pounds THAT needed HELP!!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to have better health and a better LIFE. I could not go on like this any longer LIFE is to short. I should have done it years ago when I lost weight several time only to but it back on time and time again. I think my like is complete now I am so HAPPY with myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

ther was no question about that. I coulden't have the lap band due to alergies.

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?

I had no fear... I thought if I stay the way I am I may die an early age anyway. Besides I was in good hands with the surgeon i choice. I had all the confidence in him.

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?

The reaction from some where you can lose weight on your own. Yes I can but it will take me forever to just lose 20 to 30 pounds like it did in the past... Some are still supportive some are not.

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

My employer was great .They were happy for me. I was out of work six weeks

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

Great! Everyone was wonderful and helpful to me. I was there 2 and a half days. chap stick....

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?

tired tired I just wated for the weight to fall off.. LOL

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

Take your time go slow Do what the DOCTORS tell you DON'T get dehidreated drink your water and take in your PROTEIN....

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

less than two 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.

no solid food for three weeks. after that pureed food only WATER WATER

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

slow.

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

Multi Vitamin Calcium Iron

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?

small amount of hairloss sleeping much better no longer snoring vomiting was the worst. You have to realy chew your food good. Dumping I think I have had it only twice.

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

NOTHING! ABSOLUTLY NOTHING! I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WANTING A GOOD HEALTHY LIFE. BECAUSE LIFE HAS JUST BECONE FOR ME AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 55. I LOOK AND FEEL LIKE THIRTY. I LOVE LIVING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE.. HOPE TO LIVE TO BE 115. HEY I JUST MIGHT NOW

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

THE BEST AROUND oh obesityhelp.COM AND MY DOCTORS SUPPORT GROUPS

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

WHAT SCAR? I CANT EVEN SEE THEM.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I HAVE LOST 90 POUNDS SO FAR IN MY TENTH MONTH. WEIGHT IS SLOW ABOUT 1/2 A POUND EVEY TWO WEEKS

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES YES YES A THOUSAND TIME YES WHY I DON'T KNOW IT IS THE SAME ME