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

i was searching for weigt loss programs on the internet. i was afraid of the risk factors.

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

my approval came really fast once i finish all the paper work that were required. dont give p if you are denied for the first time.

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

it was long but very educational. you can ask any questions at this time and it is one on one with the doctor and other staff member

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

after going to several meeting,gathering info about the surgery.i finally tok that one last look in the mirror and decided i do not want to be fat anymore

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

after talking to the doctor and his staff about the different surgery, i decided on the one that will benefits me the most

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 was scared at first about the surgery. which death was a big factor to me. but being overweight is a death trap. i was in GOD'S HANDS all the way

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 husband and two children talked about the surgery before hand. my husband did not want me to have the surgery but after a long talk he saw it from my point of view. he took me to the doctor and been by my side every since. it is very important to talk this over with your family before hand.

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

i had just started a new job two weeks before my surgery and i was on a probation period and had to resign so i did. my surgery was most important to me than the job

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

my stay was good. the staff were polite and very helpful. i stayed over night. bring a pillow to press against your stomach when you cough because it helps the pain some

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

no complications except what was expected. such as throat little sore. pain of course.

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

it has been one week today 8/21/07 and i feel much better. little sore but everything ok

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

it has only been a week since my surgery. i have a hard time getting out of bed, bending, and walking sometimes. my husband had to help out alot when changing my clothes ant etc

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

i had to travel 200 miles one way. it did not affect my after care because my husband drove me to my appt.

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.

right now i was on a clear liquid diet for first two days. such as sugar free jello,broth, and cream of wheat. all foods for the first month will be either sugar free liquids or in the form of baby food. no pieces clumps . you will need to make a lietime diet change

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

walking some.

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

everything i eat is sugar free and i will be starting my b12 iron and multi-vitamins tommorow

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?

too soon to tell

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

getting out of the bed 2 hours after surgery to walk.

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

right now just support from my family, havent been to any group yet

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

6 small incision on the stomach and expected it

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet having been out