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

I first heard of it when I saw a special documentary years ago about Carnie Wilson, but back then it just seemed to risky since not too many people were familiar with it.

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

Check with your INS before you go to a Dr first andf foremost just to get a step in the right direction before starting the process. Also, check in adv'c to see if your PCP or DR is willing to refer patients for this type of surgery so that you don't even waist your time, becuase some Dr's are admant about patients not having the surgery (Even though its SUPPOSE the patients choice)

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

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What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I've alwyas had it in the back of my mind, but recently I began thinking strongly about it, especially after I began encountering multiple health problems. I have problems with shortness of breath, Of course back pain, Feels like my knees wanna buckle when walking up/dwn stairs. Worst of all, my PCP had me get a cat-scan where they found a very large mass near my ovaries, although we later found it was embeded in a fallopian tube (THANK GOD!!), so I had surgery to have the mass removed and they put me on BC. With having this surgery it made me open my eyes to realize how short life is! My Immediate family has a very long history of health problems, and I don't want to live my life expecting to have these things happen to me just because I am obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Undecided (RNY OR LAPBAND) I prefer the MGB, but I hear most INS plans don't allow, nor many DR's perform this type of surgery.

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 don't really have any fears of dying, but I do have fears of complications from infections, or the staples coming loose, or something crazy like me getting an ulcer, or gall stones. If I had to tell someone else having the surgery and also having fears: "LET YOUR HEART BE YOUR GUIDE!"

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 have my Fiance as my support system throughout this ordeal. I haver told others in my life, but people are too critical and suggestive instead of being "Good listeners".......

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

I haven't advised my employer of any dates as yet. But they were already aware that I was going to return sometime in 2008 for additonal abdm'l related surgery, so it should be of no surprise, but I would rather make sure I have enough PTO time built up before I take this big step.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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?

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

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

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

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Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

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