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

I used it as last resort I tried many things to lose and only found myself regaining back all the weight.

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

Insurances dont pay!! thats why I had to go to Mexico and have this done.But know I know it was the best decition I ever made in my life.the dr & staff were great.

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

Meet the dr before doing anything. ask questions, meet the staff, look at the hospital. ect

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Last resort for me I tried everything else and failed

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided that the best surgery for me was the gastric sleeve. I researched it for along time and it was the best decition made.

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 was scared but I decided Id do it anyways because my health was only getting worse and I was gaining more and more weight

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 was glad to have the back up and full support of my family and friends. some were scared for me but they knew It was what i needed and wished to be thinner.

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

I explained to employer i needed time off for surgery I had the Vacation time coming so I just let them know I would be gone. The people that did know about me having the surgery were very positive and i know they were praying for me.

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

The best hospital stay ever and in Mexico!! I was there 4 days list of thing are comfotable pajamas camera robe slippers

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

No complications at all thank God

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 was unable to sleep i did come on the website and asked questions and let people know how i felt and I was reassured time and time again. I did take some medication prescribed by my pcp dr for anxiety for only a couple of days

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

Take time off relax learn new eating habits, I have only a couple of days but i feel good.

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

I only had to drive 1hour to where the hospital was at I stayed at a hotel day before surgery.

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.

I am on a clear liquid diet definetely soda, carbonated drinks, chile,food was out for awhile

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

I walked alot that made the healing process much quicker

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

Vitamins, nexium was a must

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 yet

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

the insurances wont approve it even though I had all the paperworks in order and appeals

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

I stay in touch with the hospital staff I have emails for some of them to help in case of any questions and the OH

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

they are small and still healing i dont think they will be any problem with them at all

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes I think i feel a little more confident and I dont feel like they just like me because im not too fat anymore