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

My medical doctor thought that it would help with the depression levels and that it would bring up my self-esteem. I was all ready for it to get it done and over with. I had seen the surgery of Carney Wilson and thought if it could help her it could help me.

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

The insurance part was not a big deal for me. I was had medicare and medicaid. Medicare approved it for my health issues. On the other hand I had to get approved through medicaid with mild stipulations. I had to have Drs. referrals and recommended letters.

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

It was alright I wasn't enthused by some of the things I had to do like quit smoking for 6 months prior to this surgery in which I gained more weight. He explained the whole surgery on how they do it with diagrams.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had to get the weight off I was having severe health issues.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't they decided 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 before or after the surgery. The thought of dying never crossed my mind. I would say if you have any fears let them be the lesser of two evils.

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 never discussed it with my family at all. They had no clue that I was going to have this done. My friends didn't want me to have it done. I would have never communicated anything differently. I had no family at that time to turn to and my friends were very supportive.

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

They were surprised. I told them I had to have the surgery done because of my health conditions. I was out of work for 4 months.

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

My stay in the hospital was not pleasurable. I didn't really get the care I needed. The only thing I brought was my clothes to come home in and make sure they are loose clothes.

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

I had several complications with my surgery. I ended up back in the hospital two weeks after I had my surgery. I couldn't eat a thing. I still have some complications to this day and I just keep changing my diet.

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 like hell for months after my surgery. I didn't have anxiety from the surgery.

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

My first few weeks home I wanted no company just wanted to sleep and really couldn't sleep laying down because I couldn't get up. I had to sleep in a recliner. I couldn't bathe myself or really dress myself. I had to have in home nursing care. I was very very much in pain and grouchy.

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

It was about an hour away from home.

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.

no bread, meats, soda, sweets, milk, cereal, pork, chicken, beef, potatoes, lettuce, anything greasy. Foods totally off limits to this day is pasta and red sauce, and anyhting acidic. Can't drink anything with meals. I can eat differnt things now but I try not to. sometimes I will but know that only once a week if that.

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

increased to the point that I have interference with AD/HD.

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

I only take childrens chewable vitamins, and I have to get vitamin B-12 injections or I am tired all the time.

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 never had sleep disturbance until one year after surgery. I still get the dumping syndrome. As far as hair loss I had no trouble with that I ate high protein foods. I would run myself ragged until I could sleep at night and the dumping syndrome was and still is something I have learned to deal with.

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

Being sick constantly.

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

I have none.

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

My scar is thicker than expected and I had a lot of problems with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I didn't have any really. I kept losing more and more weight. I lost so much they made me gain some back and once you gain it back it is hell getting it off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, very differently