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

Not sure how I found out initially. Im sure it was tv. I thought "I don't need something drastic like that, I can do this" When I found that I couldn't, I realized that God gave these surgeons this ability to help. Why not accept it?

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

my insurance company (blue cross ppo)approved me right away.

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

I was skeptical. I questioned whether or not these people care or if they were just in this booming business for the money. 5 min after I walked in, I saw that they were not only professional and extremely thorough...they really cared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

research, talking with my husband and lots of prayer

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

researching them all I wanted to go with all or nothing

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 terrified in the beginning. I had one major surgery years before and had complications. Dr Afram ordered every test possible to assure that I could handle the surgery. After that I was fine. I still was realistic and prepared but I knew that the best care was being taken.

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 told my only immediate family and one (my bff) friend. They were extremely supportive. My husband was AMAZING and I give him credit for my quick and relatively painless recovery.

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

I own my business. I was pretty supportive but rushed me to get back to work and not slack :D

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

It was informative. I am so glad I attended. I tend to not think/act like most. Th.e seminar group were more interested in fitting societies "beautiful" ideal. I wanted to get healthy. I was a little bothered but hung in there and eventually got tons of info

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

My stay in the hospital was only 3 days. I was a little upset. I needed rest and wanted to chill more but they knew that I was fine and needed to move to recupe so they booted me. The drs and nurse were great. Attentive and helpful. I took my "woman bag" (hair product, make-up, jewelry). Thats it.

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

none

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

At first I was sore (of course) and it was difficult to move. I was scared of damaging the incision. That was only for a day or two.

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

People must follow the drs instruction! I did amazing but I know people that didn't. They didn't follow the diet. They didn't move (a must) they all had problems

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

I didn't travel far...I live just outside of dc were the hospital is.

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 few days was broth. then applesauce and mashed potatoes. after a few weeks...more was incorporated but slowly. I noticed that I couldnt eat rice. It was my favorite thing. After 2 yrs, I still can't. Oh well...

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

it was very hard to move the first few days but my husband helped me in and out of bed and made me slowly walk around.

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

Calcium, iron, vit D

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?

I had some severe vomiting after a month and had to be hospitalized. Anti nausea meds controlled it. I didnt have any other problems

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

The little discomforts. Soreness. Pain. Having to be careful with what and how much I ate. The vomiting. That was all within the first few months.

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

I tried a few aftercare groups but they didn't work for me.

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

My scar is about 2 inches. Its what I expected. I thought that it would be difficult for me to deal with a 2inch scar in the middle of my tummy but Im cool with it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I've lost about 100 lbs. there are a few people that tell me that I look gorgeous now. I tell them that I looked gorgeous before. :D I get the same treatment pretty much. I think that if my attitude changed then the way people responded would have.