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

Did a ton of research, sounded too good to be true! I found out through family

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

I am canadian, my approval was basically given to me.

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

ASK ASK ASK!!! do not be afraid to ask everything running through your mind! make a list and do not be afraid to call and ask if you forgot to ask something!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not do it on my own!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Roux en Y had a greater weight loss percentage at the time

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 many fears, but i was in relatively good health under the circumstances, and was determined to follow through with my new life style choice.

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?

Everyone was very supportive but did not hesitate to voice their concerns

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

I was out of work for 3 months. my employer reacted decently well, seeing as how once i was back to work she was as well having the surgery.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I attended my first information seminar with my parents, it was a little nerve racking but having family support made it much easier. I scheduled my appointment the following morning.

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

I was in hospital for 3 days. the stay was ok, most of the nurses were wonderful, only had a problem with one nurse on midnights. My now husband was allowed to stay in the room with me, which meant alot. I slept or walked most of the time, but I did bring my own pillows for comfort, and a novel for when i was awake and my husband was asleep.

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

Still have touble with some foods, just slowly introducing things. Still a large milk allergy though.

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 got my surgery date the day of my consultation. I had surgery the following week. I was more excited to begin my new life then anything.

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

Alot of pain from the car ride home. Other then that i was doing really well!

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

I had to cross an international border and drive about 40 mins. Did not let it affect my aftercare

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.

Still cannot tolerate milk products

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

very high, I pushed myself very hard!

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

Daily Multi, Vitamin D, Protein Shakes/Bars, 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?

Hair Loss! Changed my vitamins Fatigue -- again changed my vitamins

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

The hanging skin.

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

I mainly used my family as my aftercare support. Very very helpful.

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

My scar looks pretty amazing. Its aproc 6 inches from my belly button to my breast bone, very faded, a little wider because i healed with infection inside the scar. It blistered and caused some spots to be wider then others. All in all not very noticable

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have just experienced a 9 month plateau

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! it disgusts me