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

People magazine I think. Who would do that? Wow major life change, it must be sooooo hard.

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

I didn't have a bad experienc and think the best thing to do research what they need and make sure you get it to them in a fast manner

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

It went rather well. The best thing to do when you know you have the appointment is start writing down all your questions as they come to you. That way you won't forget one with being nervous.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Nell Carter's death. She has type II diabetes and I did as well. The thought of not being here in a couple of years scare me and I knew that I had to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Though the doctor

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 don't remember having any fear because my family was there with me. I would tell people to make sure they had a lot of support, whether family or friends.

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 family 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?

I was hired in the middle of August not knowing if I was going to get approved for the surgery or not so I didn't tell him. Then all of a sudden I had a date and he was on his way to Irac. I had to tell him because this meant no one was going to be in the office. He understood and had no problem with it and sent me the most beautiful flowers before getting on his plane. It all worked out because although my surgery was on a Thursday I was back to work that Monday.

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

I was in the hospital for two days. there were two really nice nurses but the rest were kind of snotty and really looked at me as if I were discusting. There was one that just about refused to help me when I needed her. I didn't bring anything with me, well photos.

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

When the did the surgey they found that I had a problem with my liver, but it has healed since my weight loss.

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

WOW this is really going to happen. Even though I do suffer anxiety I didn't have any, I think I was releived

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

First 2 days I took it easy and was back to work on the 3rd. I can't tell anyone what to expect because I was very lucky and have been told that my experience was not the norm.

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

My husband took me, it was a 30 min drive.

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 had liquids for the first 2 weeks. Broth, Jello, Ice pops, juice. Then on the 3rd week I went to pudding, potato, yogurt, apple sauce, really blended foods. I remember drinking a lot of tomato soup. Everything I had was sugar free / fat free for the first couple of months. As time went by I added more and more to the diet. My center was not the best in helping me with my diet so I kind of just used common sense unti I found Obesityhelp.com. Since I have learned a lot and have more choices.

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

Well I can walk far and won't get tired, I can walk far and not have my feet hurt. I just don't do it like I should. This is one area I have a great problem. I am working on.

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

Sam's club multi children's vitamin Vally Spring calcum chews Vitamin B12

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?

Losing my Hair. It started when I hit the 70 pounds gone point and it is just now slowing down.

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

Getting sick when my pouch doesn't like something or when I have to make myself sick.

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

The only support group that is in my area isn't set up for people who work normal 9-5 hours therefore I don't go. I personally thing that support groups should be available for everyone and a good time for everyone. AND for more than once a month. I think support groups are important and that is why I go to Obesityhelp.com because at least I get some kind of support

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

I ahve eight teenie tiny scars that I can't really see now

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. Only people I know and it is always WOW