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

others who had it. Surgery appealed to me but scared me alot

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

had few problems

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

informative. i prepared qustions, I suggest others do the same

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

unclear

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

dr's suggestion she does a few bariatric procedures

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 was afraid of dying or all sorts of complications. It is normal for anyone to feel that way.

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?

not too suportive, so I purposely let them know only a few days before

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

I still haven't told my employer. i took off one week from work

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

hospital staff were ok - some friendlier than others. stayed 4 days. i sure am glad i brought mineral water, clear grape juice and a comfy robe n slippers.

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

no thank Gd

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

kept very very busy so as not to let myself go crazy from worry

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

difficult to follow the rules. cheated some.

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

1 hr.

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.

not good at rule following at all

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

NONE unfortunately. I am interested in changing that

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

multi+iron, calcium citrate, zinc, biotin, vit c, b 12, b complex, omega 3.

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?

n/a

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

not knowing if everything is ok

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

OA - now that i took care of the stomach , It's time to fix the brain

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

3 tiny lap scars. less than i expected

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

comments about weight loss.