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

I found out about surgery 3 years ago. I went thru all the hoops and 2 weeks before surgery I back out because I was so scared. My first impression was skeptical but after much research I looked into it and finally had surgery 11-25-03.

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

I had a great insurance company I was approved in 3 hours

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

I loved my surgeon. I just knew he was the one. I was relaxed and felt very safe with him. Ask questions and be an informed patient.....

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being tired and could not get on the floor with my son during his first birthday party.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was easy... I made the appt and scheduled the surgery same day of my consult.

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?

It was easier to trust in the Lord then the words of others.

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 were all very supportive

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

I am a stay at home mom

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

Stay in the hospital was awesome. The nurses were very caring and eager to help in any way. very sensitive to my needs. I was in the hospital 4 days. Bring: house shoes jammies my own pillow and blanket

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

no

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 felt great. I chose to make it a positive experience. Attitude is 99.9% of everything. I didn't have any anxiety about being post op. I have never gone thru the "I can't believe I did this" phase. Only the I can't believe I did this I am actually losing and I feel great.

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

You get really tired of liquids. Have lots of help. Keep a positive attitude... its what counts the most

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

2 miles

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

I have more energy 2 weeks post op then I did the day before surgery.

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

I take 2 chewable flinstones 2x a day

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?

none so far

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

waiting for the surgery and the 48 hours pre op of liquid diet

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

I love our support group meetings. They are very helpful. I am currenlty the Co President of my support group in Tulsa, Ok Bosquez Beauties

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

It is much better then I expected. It looks awesome and it is a reminder of what I did to get to where I want to be. 7 mos post op.. It looks great and is a reminder of what I went through to get to where I am... and in some ways I am proud of it. I had the courage to do it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, it is unfortunate but I am not treated like an outcast anymore