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

Through a friend. Two years before I had the surgery I said I could never go to that extreme.

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

I was one of the lucky ones I didn't have any problems with my insurance company, they were pretty quick to approve the surgery. My advise would to be not to give up if you are turned down keep trying.

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

My meeting was very good I knew right off he knew what he was doing. Go prepared, do your homework on the surgery and the surgeon before you go. Have your questions ready and ask for previous patient referrals.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Enough was enough I was ready and comfortable with my decision because I had done my homework.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By talking to my surgeon and research.

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 really didn't have any fears. I was completely at peace with my decision.

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?

At first my husband didn't want me to do it because he said it didn't sound healthy, but after meeting with my surgeon and having his questions answered he was in agreement. The rest of my family was very supportive.

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

I explained what I was having done and they were fine with it. I was off work for about 4 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was great, I was there for 4 days the 3rd day they were going to discharge me but I had a fever so they kept me another day.Comfortable pants to wear home.I didn't take alot to the hospital, they had everything I needed.

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

One month to the day after after surgery I had a stricture.They went in and ballooned it and I have been fine since. I am also anemic but thats not uncommon. I do get sick off of some foods but I don't look at that as a complication but as a blessing.

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 could not wait , I was so excited.

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

It's tough, trying to get all your protein in ,you are uncomfortable and I was extremely tired. But it gets better!

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

I was 1 hour and 20 min. from the hospital. I don't feel it affected my after care at all. I knew going into it that it was a drive but that's where I felt was the best place to have it done.

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

Vey low I was extremely tired by the 3rd week I was feeling much better.

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

Iron, B-12, Multi and calcium.

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?

Dumping and hair loss. The hair loss is tempory, I did take Biotin and I think that helps. The dumping is hard because one time you can eat something and it's fine but the next time you eat the very same thing and it makes you dump. I am 3 years out and I still dump! I'm glad I do I don't like the way it makes you feel it's miserable but alot of people don't and they go back to eatting alot of things they shouldn't.

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

The dumping!

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

I attend a monthly support group. It is very, very important to attend support group meetings it keeps you accountable.

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

I have 6 small scars that are not vey noticeable.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

DEFINITELY