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

It won't work for me from a friend locally

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

It took very little time of course my doctos had said I must lose weight or die. I started Dec. 10 and April 13, 2011 I had my surgery. Start before you go to your first doctors appt to talk it over with your doctor.

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

It was great. I met Dr. Hobson at the seminar which answered allot of my questions

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All my physical doctors jumped at the decision of helping.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Only one that I feel will work for me-gastric bypass

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 will die happy if I go. I am ready to go either way, but I hope later.

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?

Against it. Yes listen to your heart Lots later supported me

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

N/A

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

Overwhelming supportative. esp the successes.

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

I was admitted the 13th and was placed in OR holding bed until my surgery. My surgery was to be 10 AM and wound up at 2 PM. Afterwards I woke up in my room. The next day I went home

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

just a higher WBC which went down by noon I thought I was dying when I awoke cause all the gas felt like it was in the center of my chest. I was told to walk and I tried the first time was laughable now.

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

too pooped to pop and fear. I took a few days to get all of my doctors on board meds wise

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

Sleep and rest some nausea, Blood sugar 150's. Walk, walk, and walk some more even when you are exausted

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

5 1/2 hours

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

More energy for the most part than ever before, but at times I can't understand why it decreases.

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

All vitamins except Iron. I must take IV Iron and do have an appt next 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?

nausea, sleep disturbance, constipation, and hunger. I used the meds as doctor ordered, I found out I needed to increase my protein which decreased the nausea and hunger. Sleep disturbance continues which inclued Central Sleep Apnea

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

The day of surgery-GAS pain felt like my stomach would explode.

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

I will attend my first meeting the second week of may.

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

Some of my scars got scabs and blead, but I used Hibcleans on them 2 X a day. I notified my doctor. I now have a syaph infection

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At first I wondered what I had gotten myself into, but the second day was a whole different ballgame. Each day I have gained more energy and more stength than before. I have actually done exceptionally compared to other surgeries. I wonder sometimes why I get so tired, but then realize it was a life-changing surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet enen though I have lost others can't tell.