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

I learn about bariatric surgery about ten years ago I always want it to get surgery but was too afraid at the time.

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

Insurance approval was very easy for me my insurance as long as its medical needed it will approve very fast.

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

My 1st visit was easy because the doctor was nice and very caring about his patients.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When one day I looked at the mirror and said to myself "no more I need a change in my life"

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went over the risk and benefits of the types of surgery.

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?

My biggest fear was dying but I let everything in Gods hands.

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 was my biggest supporter and he still is no one else really care about my desicion.

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

I wasnt working at the time.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was ok alot of information and yes Im glad I attend it.

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

I was only in the hospital overnight the nurses were great I really didnt have to take anything they provided everything I need it.

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

The only complication was constipation I had to take stool softerner to help with the problem.

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 nervous and I just kept being positive that helped a lot.

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

Painful not eating much and just resting and walking the best you can to prevent blood clots.

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

Not far the hospital is less than 5 miles 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.

No fatty foods, sugar this two are defenitely off limits and I dont eat rice. I was first in a puree diet like for two weeks then change to soft foods later solids.

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

I was pretty normal.

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

I take chewable multi vitamins and calcium.

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 didnt experience this side effects.

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

just been nervous before the surgery the rest was just fine.

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

I didnt have one my husband was my biggest supporter.

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

they look normal just 4 little scars :)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not really but a lot of people have notice my weight change.