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

i was online and i googled weight loss and surgerys popped up and i went through and looked at them all and i was actually scarred about it at first i read about it and researched it and found out some people who had done it and talked to them. It was something i really wanted to look into and do. But i had mixed emotions about it the risks the down time the eating everything.

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

My insurance was a breeze i went to my consultation and i knew that i wanted to have surgery. The insurance guy at the office Trevor submited my surgery to my insurance and like 2 wks later i was approved ready to schedule surgery i didnt have to do anything..

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

My first meeting was great we talked and he asked me why i wanted surgery and i told him to be healthier and a better me i had lost me along the way.. He is a very upfront man he tells you like he sees it and doesnt meant to be rude but can come off as that way. He didnt have a sense of humor but i liked him alot he was willing to do what i needed and was there for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be healthy again and be the person i used to be.. I was tired of being fat and carrying all the weight around my back my knees where hurting me all the time and i was ready to do something life changing... A foot in the right direction..

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

i knew lab band was not for me at all.. I didnt want bypass cause of the malabsorbtion. i wanted sleeve because it just seemed right for me..

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 didnt think about all the bad well at first of coarse but then i looked at it like i could die from surgery from a broken arm or getting my tonsils out theres risk in everything you do.. I wanted this and i didnt care what i had to do i prayed about it really hard and just thought of good thought thats all you can do prepare yourself mentally..

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?

I had alot of support from my friends my family didnt really understand why i was going to such xtreme measures. but i explained to them excactly what i thought and what would happen and they did there research and then they were supportive cause it was something that i really wanted to do..

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

My supervisor was great with it she herself had lap band and she was very supportive... I was out 3 weeks came back to work on soft foods

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

the hospital staff was great!!!!!!! They really helped me and explained everything and checked on me all the time i was there 1 night and went home the next day... They told me what they expected from me and i knew what i had to do... The most important thing to bring small pillow to hold on your stomach helped me alot when i had to cough or get up and walk..

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

No complication thank god

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 excited the closer it got the more nervous i became but i just thought im doing the right thing to get on track and become a healthier me...

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

I was sore for about 3 days it really wasnt that bad i think the main thing is the eating you have to really get the fluids you need in and stay on top of your meds i had my mom to help me....

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

Not far at all 30 mins or so..

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

im so much more active now im not tired 5 sec after doing something like before i can actually play soccer or baseball and not be so winded love it

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

multi vitamins b12 calcium citrate and i do protein shots to when i dont think im gonna get it all in

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?

right now i have the hair loss thing going on im not quit sure what to do about it but its really frustrating me now.. i had a little vomiting but not alot it really was a smooth process for me..

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

I have to say nothing was bad about it at all!!!!