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

I have read about it for years. Have had a cousin & daughter-in-law who have had it, know of many others trying to get approved. Initially (years ago) I thought it was just plain crazy. Very scary thought. Now it is scarier to think of where I will be in 3-5 years if I don't!

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

I was VERY lucky. Approved within a week on first try.

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

Going this week.... will let you know!

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?

VERY supportive -- I was a little surprized by some of them, expected a negative response. Want only the best for me.

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

2 days at Torrance Memorial Hospital. The whole experience has been extrodinary. Nursing staff was great!

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

None.... so far, so good

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 anxious, but excited. I was lucky that it wasn't too long of a wait, I think that would have been much harder.

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

Only home 1 week after surg. Back to work after 10 days. Feel great. Some discomfort, but overall improved everyday.

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

Local, less than 5 miles

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.

First 4 weeks will be Protein shakes and clear liquids only. So far, no problem. No hunger. No Nausea. No vomiting. I am blessed!

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

First week back to work, I was tired at the end of the day. But, overall much more energy. Very Pleased!

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

Daily multi-vitamin (use powdered in my morning shake) Potasium -- during month on shakes. Weekly, sub-lingual B-12. Go for nutrition counseling this 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?

None... very lucky!

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

So far....nothing!

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

Coastal Obesity has an AWESOME support group, which I started attending Pre-Op (which I think is very important), I attended my first post-op meeting at 5 days after surg. They were amazed! I will continue to go. I belive that this kind of support is Critical to a sucessful journey

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

With Laproscopic, I look like I was used for target practice...5 very little scars, which I expect will disappear with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

too soon

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

too soon. But, those who know what I've done admire my courage.