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

My best friend. It was for fat people, I could lose weight anytime I wanted (sure).

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

It was not hard for me. I was approved after 1 request.

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

Mine was very informative and relaxed. My advice is do your homework first and educate yourself.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All the success stories.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew from previous surgeries that open was not for me. I had a small child that I knew I had to take care of so I wanted the least invasive procedure as possible.

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 didn't have any fears, my faith in God was strong and carried me through.

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 mom and husband were both againist it. Then they came to a support group meeting and heard the stories and they then began to come around. Now they are so glad and supportive.

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

I wasn't working at the time.

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

My stay was great. I had very sweet nurses and helpful techs. I only reccomend taking chapstick.

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?

Very excited! I talked to my best friend everyday all day

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

I was weak at first but then as I ate more I gained strength.

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

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 tested everything early. There was really nothing that I couldn't tolerate except hotdogs. I have sworn off candy and cake because they are my weakness.

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

I joined the gym in Nov. and went 3 (morning/noon/night)times a day. Then in Jan, I came back to work so that was cut to once, then to none!!

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

Multi, B-12,Tums

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?

None.

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

The GI testing

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

I attend a weekly support group that is great.

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

I had lap

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few and like most people I get really bummed out. I had one that lasted almost a month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and no. I read about this all the time but I have noticed that I treat people different. I didn't want to be noticed or approached at 278 lbs.