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

I discovered this several years back, and once in the past I did consider, but had insurance issues. Now, I have finally found a fantastic surgeon, and also have the insurance to help!

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

I did my research and I knew exactly what my insurance company would require. I obtained all the necessary documents and tests, etc, before my initial visit with my surgeon. It took my insurance company only 4 days to approve. Trust me, I KNOW how LUCKY I was for that to happen soooo quick!

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

It was very productive, my surgeon is very informative and very nice. He didn't rush me or talk "over my head".

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A specialist recommended for me to re-consider. So I did.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Consultation with my Surgeon.

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 try not to think about it. I pray alot. I have faith everything will be fine. I just try to focus on what life will be after the surgery.

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 first time around, several years back, they weren't very supportive. However, this time they have been extremely supportive.

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

As my surgery is tomorrow, I will have to update this field later. I have had no problems getting the time off from work that i need.

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

I stayed at Pres Hosp in Charlotte and had the best care I could have hoped for. I was there overnight. Bring comfortable bedroom shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking after surgery.

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

None to date.

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

This period can be frustrating. You are overwhelmed with emotion, excitement, and frustration. Trying to deal with the limited diet while you are healing is very hard. At the same time, and this you don't know at the time, if you didn't have a limited diet, you wouldn't be satisfied with anything....so going through this was tough, but in hindsight, I can see that even if I had no restrictions, I still wouldn't have been able to have what I wanted.

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

15 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.

The oddest thing for me was my taste buds changed....drastically! I used to love milk and pastas. Now I can hardly stand either. I can eat some pasta in very small portions, like one bite. Can't stand milk, so I've switched to soy milk, which I seem to tolerate better. I love salads now, before I couldn't stand them because lettuce used to make me nauseas. It's been a complete re-discovery of what I will like and dislike. All my preconceived notions are completely useless....

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

hardly any.....at first. Now I am very good about getting my daily exercise. I am hoping this will help with energy, but so far it hasn't.....

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

I'm very good about taking all nec vitamins as requested by my surgeon. My blood work and vitamin stores are all in the normal range.

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?

My Only side effect has been no energy....

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

The pain right after surgery....

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

I enjoy this website. I find friends who are experiencing some of the same things as I am and its very helpful.

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

I have 5 small scars....yes, I expected this...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really....my support from family and friends has been incredible!