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

My best friend has been now over 7 years post op, her sister is over 1 year post op. And they kept telling me how I should look into it. At first I was not mentally ready for it. But when I was ready I was impressed with my doctor.

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

I was amazed when the doctors insurance cordinator called me and told me that I was approved. I was thinking that my insurance was not going to cover it. We got to have hope and faith and all will prevail to us.

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

When I first meet Dr. Kim, I was impressed that he has office staff that had the surgery before. He is very caring and understanding. His office staff also understands the battles that we all have with our obesity and they make you feel so good.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My heart inside I knew this was the right thing for me. And now I am so happy I did it!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went to the info sessions and listened very carefully to Dr. Kim and knew that the RYN was the right one for me.

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 fears about dying. I felt that my best friend, her father and sister all made it through safely through it that I would too. I know we all have our time when we are going to have to leave the earth but I knew my time was not yet.

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?

They where all happy for me and supportive as well. They knew that I tried so many times with weight watchers in losing weight. It would come off and then go right back on.

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

My boss was worried for me at first. But now he is so impressed. He says at times he can't believe how skinny I am. And that makes me feel great.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. It was a great stay at Celebration. What did I bring. Personal hygenige items.

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

When I came home I was sick. I had preanemouia, and then back in the ER for dyhydration. I got to say this and I continue to say this drink your fluids. It is not worth being admitted for dyhydration.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

It was hard at first. The puree was the hardest stage. All I kept saying to myself is why did I do this. But then I realized I made a life change for me!

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

At first it is hard. Don't go and try to do things you do in your normal life. Take it easy. Let people help you.

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

I only live 10 minutes from the hospital and the doctors office so I did not travel far.

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.

Wow so many foods that I could not eat. I have not tried to eat because I am scared. I mainly eat alot of chicken and veggies.

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

Now I can walk on a treadmill for 30-45 minutes and no stop. I love it. At first I started out slowly walking for 10 minutes and moving up ever 3 to 4 weeks increased by 5 minutes

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

I take my building blocks multi vitamins as instructed

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?

I had the hair loss and still have the shedding. So I decided to cut my hair and that has helped alot. Dumping has not been as bad as I expected it to be.

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

The only the bad thing that I felt was getting thrush on my tounge.

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

I try to attend the weekly support group meetings that office has. For me support is what I need.

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

It is small. Not really noticeable. I try to find them all but I can't notice it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am still the same person on the inside, just alot lighter.