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

I was excited when I found out about the surgery the wls. I didn't think that I would be a good candidate for it.

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

Insurance was a breeze. I did not have any problems.

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

My surgeon seemed tired. She still took the time to answer all of my questions. I really felt like she cared!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My 7 year old daughter. I wanted to be around to see her grow up. I wanted to be able to do the fun things that moms should do with her. I realized that I was not only limiting my life, but hers as well

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon and I decided that it would be the best proceedure for me.

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 afraid that I would have a stroke. I would tell others that the pros far outweigh the cons! It was a cange for the better. A little bit of pain at first but IT WAS WORTH IT!!!

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 and friends were supportive in every way! I was very lucky!

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 as well. She told me not to feel guilty. She told me to concentrate on getting better.

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

I went to Bariatric Treatment center in Texas and my hospital stay better than I could ever ask. I was pampered to whole time. They were so helpful,patient and really cared about how I was feeling. I live about 30 min. away so it was not such a long trip. The most important things to bring for me was sugar free cough drops,comfortable jammies,lip balm,pads just in case it happens to be your time... and your pillows from home. The hospital supplied a kit with all of the tolietries I needed.

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

I had 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?

A week after surgery I was still a little sore. I made up my mind that I would get up and walk every hour or so because I wanted to feel better. I was afraid each time that I ate but tried to remain calm and take it slow.

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

My first few weeks were somewhat of a blur. My husband kept feeding me and I just took it easy. GET UP AND MOVE... that is the best medicine. Do exactly what your surgeon says and you will be ok!

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

35 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.

By the second week I was so sick of broth... I could not even look at it. I stuck to protien shakes and creamy soups. After that I spent a week on purred foods. The fourth week was soft foods and the fifth week was regular foods. You just have to bite the bullet and try different foods. Listen to your body. If you try something once and don's do well with it,wait a few weeks and try again.

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

I started out going from the chair to the couch. After the first few weeks I started walking up and down the street. I made up my mind that I did not want to pity myself and found out that if I moved around I felt much better. Now 7 weeks out, I walk 3 to 5 times a week in the evenings.

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

I take 12 mgs of calcium, 1 dropper of sublingual b12 and 1 multi-vitamin a day. It seems to work really well for me.

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 only side effect that I have had is some hair loss. I think that the main key is to follow your doctor's and nutritionists instructions to a "T". They know what they are talking about. And everyone is different so listen to your body.

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

The worst part of the process is learning to deal with your emotions. I was a closet eater and ate when something was wrong or I was upset. Not being able to do that anymore was hard. I had to find something to do during those times and found that I felt better if I would paint.

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

At this time, I have relied on my friends and co-workers that have gone through the same thing. There is a support group here at work and I plan to join.

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

My scar is bigger than I thought it would be. It is still pretty red and seems to be healing quite well. I know with time it will fade and become skin color

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

n/a

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel wonderful about myself. I have a lot more self esteem and people seem to want to ask questions. I have only lost 50 lbs to date but i can tell a difference in the way I carry myself and I think people see that in me.