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

TV and I thought wow I wonder if I can do that.

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

oh I went job hunting to find a job that carried insurance that would cover the surgery took me 2 years 1 year waiting period to get insurance and the steps needed by the insurance to get approved. Once docs office sent in for approval it took only 24 hrs YES all my hard work paid off.

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

I love my surgeon! He is very hands on and up front. Answer any question you may have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My doc said one simple thing quality of life!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My family wanted me to do the lap band I wanted gastric bypass because I didnt want to hae to go for fills al the time. And gastric weight comes off faster and I wanted it off! I talked to my doc told him What I wanted and what my family wanted and he told me it's you haveing the surgery do what you want and I did Thanks again doc!

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?

All surgery has that chance I say pray to god do what is right. It is very scary but I didnt want to burden my family with me being sickly and needing constant care so I went for it and didnt look back and refused to think about the bad.

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?

oh several people said you took the easy way out. EASY WAY come on people there is no easy way. I saved my life. Of course the ones saying it are the ones that talked about doing the surgery and never went thru with it. I told everyone the truth as to what I was doing its a personnal choice there I would not have told the truth now because everyone thinks oh you can eat and eat and still lose weight. NO you cant I was given a tool and I fight all the time over choices. Very supportive after surgery. My most hated comment is oh can you eat that! Stop already!!

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

My manager was very understanding. I was out for 6 weeks felt good after 3 could have went back 4 weeks but I didnt want to lol

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

My stay was great my doc wouldnt have let it be any other way. I was there 2 days. You wont want anything.

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

No I was as my doc stated a text book case yea me!

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

oh when I first had the surgery I would think oh no what have i done I feel awful. I kept thinking why did I do this I would rather be fat. That lasts about 3 to4 weeks then the swelling and weight are coming off and the clothes are being bought because nothing fits and not to toght to loose lol LOVED IT! size 28 to 10

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

To take it slow you will be a little sore. Couldnt sleep in my bed for a week after that my hubby made me. first night was rough after that it just keeps getting better.

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

maybe 3 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.

Your food life changes drastictly. Rice is pretty much off limits for me I do have a few bites from time to time ( twicw in over a year I have had a bite or 2) Youre taste buds change I hated cheese now I crave it. but somethings stay the same I hated yogart and I still do!

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

first week slow but slowly build it up

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

daily vitamins, biotin, 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?

I had the hair loss but it only lasts a month to 7 weeks i took more biotin. I had no other side effects

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

the waiting and jumping thru hoops for the insurance co. OH lets not forget when they pull your drain tube out after surgery that was weird and hurt.

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

meeting at the hospital But i forget to go I need to i find myself slipping but my hubby helps me oh my when was the monthly meeting first tuesday or las see why I forget.

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

almost I have a bump on it other than that pretty good

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

oh not losing weight I have been on one now for 2 months but it will pass everyone gets them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES YES YES people are much nicer and include me. Guys hold open doors I have even been followed back into the store by guys wanting my number lol