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

One of my family memebers got it done and I was so happy for her she was over 500lbs I ask her for all the info and called the next day.

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

I got excepted right away and almost cried when I got the letter I was so happy. My advise is try, try, and try keep writing letters to your insurance company till they approve you if not switch insurance companies.

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

He was very informative he told me the pros and the cons of the surgery. You can get the most out of it by writing down everythign prior to the meeting so you dont forget to ask anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After trying everythign they had on the market and nothing working.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Really didnt want open cause of the healing time being longer so I asked about lap and he did it.

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?

Well there is no exact answer for this if its your time its your time. I was a little nervous but everything turned out ok.

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?

My mom was the worst one she didnt think it was a good idea at all, but what mother does. My family is very supportive now though.

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 happy that I got excepted and I was out 2 weeks I told her exactly what I was having done how it was going to be done and she was very interested to see me in the upcoming months.

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

I hate hospitals Im a nurse and Im not a good patient at all. But all in all it was ok. I was there 3days and 2 nights. The things I found helpfull were chapstick, and slippers, and the cell phone was a savior so I could call everyone that was long distance.

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

none at all.

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 excited and couldnt wait till surgery.

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

Dont sleep in the same bed with your spouse if they turn and toss alot. Other than that I was fine

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

120 miles round trip it was hard on the way home cause there is no smooth road in Missouri.

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

I got more energy as time went on

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

B-12 shot once a month, multi vit chewable, calcium supp, and of course those nasty protein shakes.

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 lost most of my hair cause I didnt take the protein shakes like I should but after I could start eating meat it has started to grow back. Coping with it is hard sometimes so I just bought a wig for when i have to go somewhere other than work.

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

The hair loss.

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

I really dont have one I have friends I talk to when I get down about not lossing as much as I want or whatever and it helps.

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

I have 6 incisions and they are very tiny it is actually alot less than I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well not really I have friends that are amazed by how much I have lost but other than that no.