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

My mom had surgery done in 1989, abd did well, she has past on, but I remember her happiness when she won the battle with weight. I did alot of read to make sure it right for me, it is.

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

My doctor office did a wonderful job, with no problem, without them I may not got it approved

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

Understand and caring doctor, he want to help. Listen and ask the way to learn.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health, not being able to play with my kids and pain of my ankles,knees, back, headache, sugar, blood pressure, breathing, alot of med. problem,

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Listen to my 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?

It ok to be scared, but be happy something going to help. Just remember it do a magic answer still alot on you to do and learn.

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 totally behind me all the way.

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 total 3 days. The Nurses, Doctor, Student DR. right down to cleaning people was always happy and smiling, doing there best make your stay comfortable. Comfortable shoes or houseshoes, your own blanket if you have favor one and maybe pillow, clothes where home on release day. I wore home my PJ's whicj I took three pair but gown was easier.

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

I had to let my new stomach rest for extra week so all my water and protein when in my feeding tube. then almost week later I got to got on clear lig. water was heaven. the other got small infection in place so I'm on med for it and packing it but doing well.

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 feel so far I done very well, On the 2nd day I remember thinking what did I do to myself because my head hurt and I sore. But remember it be just little bit more and it be ok, I remember why I did this first place.

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

Take it slow and easy, you may not be able sleep in bed so sleep in recliner, Hope you got loving family and support people. Talk people on phone when you up to it. It get better everyday, first 2 weeks hardest

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

2 hours 89 miles one way. I can call and someone return call within minutes.

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.

so far Lig. diet, protein is ok if put over ice.Carn Breakfast sugar free is good, soup,broth,popsicle sugar free nice so hot. help the thoat to. dec coffee. no sugar, no pop, popcorn, I thought I be hungry but I am not, it hard to get protein amount in but I making it. eat small meals stop when you feel full.

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

each day got better, i am not sleeping all, like I was because I had no energy, now get up every morning by 7:30 am good go.

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

children chewables 2 morning and night and 2 tum morning and night, they change later.

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?

so far nothing, just where tape was it itch.

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

worry of it. IV needle

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

The support group at the Dr. Office it wonderful, we call ask advice anytime I thing that important too. I had family who had surgery. Loving Family, wonderful husband and kids. My step_ mom she was a blessing stay with me thought it all. MY grad. angel she is. the meeting help you ask question learn from the other no question is dumb just ask,

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

I call them my waterbugs. So I do not have to get tatoo.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none so far

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They say I have a better attitude and more happier