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

I first heard of it many years ago but never thought twice about it. I was introduced to this web site from a friend and that is when I started to read about the great success it has been for obese people.

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

I had no problems at all I wish everyone else the same luck!

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

iT WAS VERY COMFORTING IN THE SENSE THAT WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED TALKING WITH HIM AND ASKING QUESTIONS YOU REALIZE THAT THERE IS TRUELY HOPE FOR YOU TO FEAL BETTER.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After fealing the confedence of the Dr. And the fealing of trusting him with my life in his hads was the final decision made

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 very good. I have had surgury before so I knew what to expect as far as pain goes. I was very comfortable and the staff was great. I made sure I brought a picture of my children with me because looking at them made me stronger faster and I knew I had to get home to them!

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?

I got my date at the end of may and didn't have much time to wait. My date was for June 14th. I lucked out that Dr. Aranow had an opening! I was so excited that I wanted to tell the whole world!!!!

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

I was home after 3 days and doing fine. I had not had to much pain and was up and about. I am not a good one for sitting at home so anywere I could go I went! It was very hard to get the p[rotien shakes in as I could not find one that didnt make me GAG! I started to feal better almost immediatly as far as the pain in my body!

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

My Dr. and hospital was about an hour away. They do the surgury at hospitals in my area but are to new to it so i decided to go a little further down the line.

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.

Well at 7 weeks post-op i am slowly trying food again. I have only had a problem when I ate to fast! As the weeks go on you seem to loose your taste for food altogether. I have noticed that I do not want what I used to eat as it tastes different know! I am now 5 months post-op and I have to say that I really have not had ant food problems. I have learned to take my time when eating. Everything sits pretty well as long as I dont rush!

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

I was back to my day job 1 week after surgey. (ACCOUNTS PAYABLE) And back to my part time job of Waitressing 2 weeks after. So that should give you a pretty good idea of haw good my level of energy was!

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

Multivitamin, B12, calcium citrate liquid Iron and I also find B-50 gives me a boost of energy!!

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 havent had any yet! However I am waiting for the hair loss because I know I am not getting in nearly enough protien! Well at 3 months my hair began to fall out like CRAZY!! I am 5 months now and it is still coming out. I believe it has slowed down some but it is still falling out. My hair is much thinner than it used to be but thats a small price to pay if you ask me. It's only hair it will grow back!!

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

MY scar is not bad at all. It is very clean straight and fading daily!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

NONE YET! 7 weeks post-op and down 60lbs

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO not really