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

I heard of the surgery through friends and new several who had it done.Once I saw their succes with it there was no question in my mind.

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

I had no Ins,I was a cash payment and I can tell you it has to all be paid up front before they will touch you.

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

My first visit was in a group of us.He explained every thing that day.I say pay close attention to what he says ask questions and take notes if needed there is alot to retain

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I had to or I would not be here on this earth enjoying my children and new granddaughter. I was having chest pains and would not tell my family because they were worried enough about me as it was

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor I let him tell me what was best.

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?

Oh I had alot of fear but I knew it was something I had to do.I pretty much cried myself to sleep every night for about two weeks. I would tell other people to let God be their guide.He will be right by your side if you just ask him.

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 scared for me but excited at the same time.No I believe I would handle it the same.Everyone was very supportive

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

He also was a little scared for me,you know everyone knows of the risk with this surgery,but he has worked with me on my job and been very supportive. I was out for about 3 or 4 weeks.

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

My stay was great,I was in for 3 days.prayers and family

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

None,

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

No anxiety, I felt tired just did not have any energy

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

I did great,If you follow what the doctor says do you will be fine

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

15 mins

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.

The first 2 weeks was clear liquids only,the next 2weeks I was on baby food pretty much,I could not eat but about two oz at a time.The next two weeks I moved into soft food, protein drinks ect.After the six weeks I moved into regular food.I could not eat any type of meat, 5 months out and i still have to be careful with meat. I stay away from sugar,breads,pastas,and starches I use them as a poison to my body. I figure I have been through all this Iam not about to let something stand in my way of reaching my goal.I have a new lease on life and Iam going to hang on tight.

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

I walked alot not far but they want you up and moving

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

They started me on prenatel vit when it was time,I also take cal, and a stool softner

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?

Ihave had the dumping and still do from time to time,usually when I eat meat.I also have the hair loss,the worst of the two is the dumping. Five months out and I still have both

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

Not knowing if I would come back to my family

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

None

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

I have 6 sm scars

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After about 3 months I hit a 3 week plateau Ihave to say I was not happy I thought all this and thats it but the doctor told me to be patient and I was and look at me now

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No