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

I first got interested when they started the gastric bypass surgeries. However, I was very frightened of having it because several of my friends had the surgery and have had several complications.

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

I have fought my insurance for 4 years. I recommend that others read over their insurance policies and discuss options with their agents.

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

I first talked with my surgeon by phone. Dr. Kuri called and discussed with me all my options over the phone.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being tired.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched all options on the Internet.

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 worried about how well I would do during anesthesia. I have had complications in the past. However, I came through with no problems at all. Dr. Kuri helped in calming my fears.

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 husband and younger daughter were very supportive. I had tried to tell the rest of my family, however, when they found out I was going to Mexico for my surgery, they were not supportive at all. My husband and I decided not to tell them until I was already there.

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

My employer was supportive. I went back to work 5 days after my surgery back into the ER as a LPN.

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

I was in the hospital overnight only. The hospital was clean and very nicely decorated. The staff was great!

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

I had no complications from my surgery.

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 started having more energy and was less sore. My back quit hurting along with my knees and my feet.

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

It was an adjustment finding out what I could and could not eat. The first 2 weeks were clear liquids. Then went to full liquids for 1 week. Then bland, soft foods gradually. I am now eating regular foods and in smaller amounts. I find out what I can and can not eat.

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

I flew from Atlanta, GA to San Diego, California. I was met and picked up from the airport and driven across the border into Mexico. I will fly into California and be driven across the border for any fills. My fills are free for life.

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 found that I can not eat pork. I get sick with it. I also find that if I do not chew up my food thoroughly, I will get sick.

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

The same. In fact, it improved.

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

Centrum Chewable vitamin.

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?

the vomiting was worse for me. I hate to vomit. It only happens now if I do not chew up my food good. I stop eating immediately once I start throwing up.

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

I went to have the surgery by myself. That was the worse. However, it was for the best.

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

this is my support group.

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

5 small scars. Better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am starting to eat more. It is almost time for a fill.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People have complemented me on my weight loss so far and have been very encouraging.