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

Through my heart doctor he suggested I research it, and I am sure glad I did.

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

Oh boy it was a LONG two year battle, I fought and fought and fought. I appealed many times, finally my husband got a new job, I applied for the surgery and they approved it. 6 months of going through classes before I could have the surgery, but it finally happened March 29, 2010. The day my life was changed forever.

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

My first visit was great, it helps when you do the research yourself, that way you know what the doctor is talking about. I didn't have any questions because I had done tons of research. Just be prepared and ask anything you don't know and that that you do and is not sure ASK.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my doctor said I may not live to see age 50, I wanted to have it the day he told me that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I already knew from research that the Lap-Band was not something I wanted, I wasn't to hot on having to get adjusted on a frequent basis.

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 not concerned about dying because of my relationship with God, I had a assurance and knew that God had made me a promise that I would live and not die. God has soooo much work for me to do, I just believe that and took that in the operation room with me. It also helped because I asked my doctors if they believed in God and what he can do through them as a doctor. God is the answer for all situations.

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 had 100% support from family and friends, I would not change a thing.

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

I have not worked in two years due to my heart condition, I have had two open heart surgeries and was not able to work.

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

The seminar was very informative, and gave me a even better understanding of the process. I was glad I attended, anyone considering the surgery should attend.

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

My stay was great, the hospital staff was wonderful to me, kept me very comfortable. I stayed 1 week because of my blood level were a little off.

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

No complications

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 feel really good no anxiety.

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

I was a little weak and soar other than that I had no problems.

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

About 10 miles

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 had a very smooth transition, I am already eating regular foods and have had no problems. Very small amounta but no dummping. So far I have had no issues at all.

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

I am walking not to far but I have started walking and it feels great.

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

None so far I will begin on next monday after my doctor visit.

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?

So far no issues have occured

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

Honestly It has been good, I have no complaints.

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

No support group

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

9 small holes still a little soar but healing up well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None Im down 25 pounds

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO