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

I found out about it through my goddaughter's mother initially and then through 2 coworkers.

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

I have not had any problems because the center I am dealing with knows what the insurance companies are looking for so their program is set up to help you achieve all your goals along with your pre-op testing.

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

My first visit was very informative. I listen to everything my surgeon explain to me and asked any questions I may have had at that time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was comfortable in the information that you learn from this program. I was comfortable with my surgeon and her knowledge of everything. And, lastly, I was comfortable in the further research I conducted on this subject.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My procedure was recommended by my surgeon and with good reasons.

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 have no fears. God is in control and he is a doctor in the operating room. He will guide my surgeon's hand and heal my body. If it meant for me to leave this earth, then it's my time and I cannot fight it. God knows when it's your time.

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?

I have had positive and negative remarks from individuals and don't get me wrong, I have taken everything into consideration, but I had the final say. I cannot say how everyone is going to react when I return back to work a month after my surgery, but I am going to be alright.

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

My supervisor knows that I am having major surgery but does not know why. I will be out for a month from work.

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

My stay was awesome even though there were some unusual patients who gave the nurses a rough time. I was in the hospital from Thursday, July 31st through Monday, August 4th. I was released from the hospital on Monday, August 4th. I was able to reach the amount of fluids needed so I would not get dehydrated while at home. Things that are most important is your own bath/shower supplies, toothpaste, toothbrush, and your return to home clothing which should be as loose at possible because of the incisions on your stomach.

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

No complications

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 was so excited when I found out my surgery date and I was so ready to go because I don't have to deal with my work and my coworkers for a month at the most. I really did not have any anxiety because everything was pray for and left in God's hands.

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

I have been home for only 2 days now and you must be careful. Your stomach is going to be very sore and it still hurts to get in the bed. You must keep your glass full of liquids at all time. You must keep walking to keep blood clots from forming in you. People should expect that the recovery is going to be difficult and as long as you do what you were told to do by your surgeon and your nutritionist, you will make it through this episode in your life.

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

I did not have to travel far--about 30 minutes at most depending on travel.

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 am still on my 3 days regimen where all I can consume is juice and clear fluids.

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

My activity level is not strong but I know it will get better down this month of being off for work.

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

Bariatric Advantage chewable multivitamins and Bariatric Advantage chewable calcium nitrate.

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?

The worst side effects were gas in my stomach and having no bowel movement since the day before my surgery. These problems are still occurring since I was released from the hospital. I am doing everything my surgeon has told me to do in order to relieve these problems.

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

The worst part was the wait time between getting prep for the surgery and going into surgery.

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

I have my family, friends, coworkers, associates, other individuals who have had some form of weight loss surgery, and the obesityhelp.com.

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

My incisions are not big but very sore because of the instruments used doing the surgery. I am okay with the scaring because it is not that significant that if someone wanted to look at this part of my body it would noticable unless that come closer to you.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far because I have been out of surgery for 5 days now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Now, I have not and even if they did I do not have time for the drama they wish to bring in my life and my circle.