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

I first found out about Bariatric surgery on a talk show one after noon when i was at home! As soon as i saw it i immediately was interested and stared my research.

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

When it came to insurance,I had no problems. Once my letter was received it was approved with the week. But i do recommend on calling,because the insurance did not receive my request the first ime and it had to be resent .

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

I had done so much research about the surgery,that i had very few questions. I reccomment writing your questions down before going, and listen to your family, and questions they may have as well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have surgery after i tried every diet there was and continued to fail.After meeting the doctor i felt hope .I prayed to god to bring me through it, and left me life in GOD's hands

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor explained the rny was the best for me! i trusted him and understood in long ter it was the best!

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?

My fears were dying! Nothing out of the ordinary, whenever someone is having a surgery the possibilites are ther,so this to me is normal.I was open with my friends and family and prayed to god the he bring me through this!

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 just as scared and i was,however they were all supportive in my decision.

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

I did not tell my work what i was doing! i felt it was not neccesary!I simply submitted my paperwork for time off for surgery and that was that!

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 awful,the hospital was just not for me!i was there for three looong days, i had to have my husband come up to bath me dailey! You won't need anything but extra blankets!COLD......

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

In the beginning i had no complications,until mabe 2 yrs after.I began having sharp pains from my tummy! No one knew what was wrong! i found out 3 yrs after that i have a ruptured staple line. Well i am now about to have a revision to transect my stomach.

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 bored after surgery! food was my comfort,so i did not know what to do! I started shopping more(lol) well it's all i could figure to mentially be happy and exercize at the same time. I started reading more. I was very week and in alot of pain.I just prayed and prayed to heal! it took maybe 2 months for me to finally be ok enought to get out and do things

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

Rest! and move it! Take the time to heal,but try to strengthen yourself also! Your mind needs to be in a positive mode.

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

My surgeon was within 20 mines of my home, So it was fairly easy for me!

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, just slear liquids for 2 weeks then puree foods, which were awful, but mashed potatoes were all that really stuck with me then i was fine with almost anything except sugars,soda and red meats.They don't do good with me at all

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

i was drained,i tried doing leg excercises at home,but due to weakness,could not due much,until mabe 2 months after surgey! But i did try and joined a gym about 3 months later

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

iron supplements 2 a day b12 shot once a month multi vitamin 2 a day calcium 6 a day a&d 2 a day

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?

Really no side effects accept minimal hair loss.

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

My doctor had one once a month, and it is very important,because u will need to be around people like yourself,u can see problems thay may be ahead and how to be aware of them, and it motivates u to stay on track.

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

My scar is long....I am greatful that i have life,i'm not to much worried about a scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i have had several,but i just change what i am doing to get over it! to trick my body!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people think you have somehow changed,when you are in fact the same person.It's sad to see people treat u so good after you loose weight! it goes to show that people are just ignorant!