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

My sister had it done over three years ago. I was so totally against it at first. After I saw how much it helped here and improved her quaility of life, I changed my opion.

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

I got approval on the first try. My adivce would be to keep trying no matter how many times you are turned down. If you have to , talk to a lawyer who deals in this area.

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

I had a very comfortalbe experience with my first visit. He was very informative and upfront. Please ask questions. There are never any silly questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I saw first hand how well it can work. My sister did great with it and I knew I could too.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Dr. explained the different procedures and help me decide what was best 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 really had no fears. I was so ready for this surgery.

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 really very supportive about my decision. I told them all about what i would be going thru. They have all been very supportive since I had my surgery, especially my husband. He has been great.

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

They were supportive of my decision. I told them about the surgery and what I would be having done. I was off work 4 weeks.

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

Everyone at the hospital were great. I was released the day after my surgery. The most important things i think to take with you are a housecoat and slippers so you can go walking.

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

No , none what so ever.

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 very excited. Didn't think it would ever get here.

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

The first week was the worst for me. I got so tired of the broths and jello. I wasn't hungry , just wanted something besides liquids.

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

I had mine done in my home town. I traveled about 10 blocks.

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.

I have only been out for 5 weeks but I can't eat scrambled eggs, I tried twice and dumped both times.

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

I have been walking 30 mins. on my treadmill every day.

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

I take a chewable multi vit w/ iron 2x daily...calcium 2x daily will be starting B-12 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?

I haven't had alot of these symtons yet. I don't like the dumping.

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

The first week out.

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

I go to a support group once a month. They are very helpful. I can hear what others have experienced.

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

I have 6 small holes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some