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

A temp co worker had it done , then I saw the Carnie Wilson story and relized that insurance paid for it . I was all for it then.

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

Aetna approved me after 2 weeks. I had infertility problems and I fought the insurance company to pay for it and they did. If they dont approve fight it and there is a chance they will pay.

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

Read up as much as you can before your appointment then ask questions of things you dont understand

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Insurance paying 100% for the surgery

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let the surgeon tell me what is the best procedure 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?

Your more at risk being overweight. Your in gods hands when it is time it is time. I heard the risks are lower than having a c-section

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 was very supportive and thought it was a great idea. My husband said what ever I decided he would stand behind me

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

I have a home daycare and I was changing diapers 4 days after surgery

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

i had surgery on Tuesday and was out by Friday. The hospital I stayed at had their own baratric unit. The only thing you should bring is a nightgrown, brush and toothpaste and toothbush.

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

no, The only thing is after the surgery I was in ICU with the tube down my throat after I begged the dr to take it out they did and no more complications.

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 didnt feel real until the day I went into the hospital. Then I was already there so I had to go through with it

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

At first you wonder why you did this then each day it gets easier and easier. 3 weeks after the operation I felt good as new.

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

I had to travel 120 miles to the hospital, but I am lucky because my dr is local.

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.

Waterdown juice is my main drink, soda is totally off limits and sugar. At first I could tolerate more food than I do now at 5 weeks post op, meat makes me dump, I can eat crackers cheese spread and tapoica pudding.

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

At first I didnt even want to move , but by 3 weeks I could do everything.

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

I eat 2 chewable childrens vitamins a day

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 and diarhea. still coping with them

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

Having to be away from my husband and daughter for 4 days. since I have a home business my hubby and child had to stay home while I sat in the hospital

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

My doctor has monthly support meetings and I met people through the web site whom had the same dr.

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

it is better than i expected , my c-section opened up and I thought that this would open too. it didnt and I was very happy.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no, every now and then people say wow you lost weight.