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

My Mom had WLS done in 2002 and has done wonderfully ever since so my Impressions of WLS are very positive.

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

BCBS did very well. It took 9 weeks to get approval. Just hang in there and don't let them forget about you.

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

Ver nice meeting. Had a good vibe from Dr. Houston. I had a list of question from me and my Hubby and that helped.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I found out that I wasn't able to concieve due to my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Mom had Gastric Bypass so I already had first hand knowledge of the procedure.

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 would have moments where I would just cry thinking this could be the last month of my life and you know...it was! I have a new life now and I would do it all over again.

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?

All were supportive Pre- and Post op

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

I am a homemaker

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

It was fine. I didn't have any pain. Chapstick and Face wipes were a life saver.

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?

I was tired but not in pain

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

Just tired an a little queasy for about a week then things got better.

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

I had to drive 1 hour away.

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 can eat pretty much anything except untoasted bread and soft tortillas. i don't have dunping syndrome so sugar isn't a problem

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

I did some walking and stationary bike.

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

I take 1500mg of calcium...3 children's chewables...1 80mg folica acid...all of these daily then one 1000 mg b-12 sublingual tab a week

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 am just now, at 6 months out, getting over feeling nausia after I eat anything at all.

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

I go to my local group in Bowling Green Ky once a month and Obesityhelp everyday and I love both

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

I have 6 very small scars no longer than 3/4 of an inch. Better than I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not lost pounds in a couple of weeks but I am losing inches so I am still losing I guess

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get treated a lot better by people now that I look better. Alot of it has to do with that I think I looked good now and people can tell when you feel good about yourself