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

A friend of mine had it done. OH wow, where do I sign up for it?

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

I was denied once, then approved..Stay on top om them...NEVER give up. My husband is going on his 4 appeal now. SO NEVER GIVE UP!

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

He is amazing. He is so honest, and caring.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Not being able to loose weight on my own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr Hutcher only does open.

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 had alot of fears, but trusting my surgeon as he said.."I will not die on the operating table and will walk out of the hospital", I had faith. And also having my husband there with me the whole time.

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?

Alot were worried, but they support me and my decsions.

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

I am self employed.

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

It was nice. I had 2 mean nurses. One that can't give shots worth crap, I still have a knot in my leg. I had one I loved, his name was TODD, omg...and he is so sweet, and so caring. Bring, slippers, and chapstick.

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

the only thing I have wrong now is draining. It will stop for a day, then build up and start again, its gross. But they say it happens to some people.

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 practiced at chewing slower, and sipping. I was just so ready to have it done.

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

Make sure you take your Protein, and vitimins, and water. Keep up with trying to walk. Its a pain to get out of bed, so sleep in a chair, or sitting up.

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

I travled one and a half hours, that was depending on traffic. Didnt affect it, or hasnt yet.

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.

First week: Liquids...Fat free Chicken broth...gross. Second week: Mushy foods... No egg subsitutes, no watermelon. I can eat SF jello, Mashed and baked potato, Vegies..if mushy, ceral ( special K, and Cherrios). I can eat chicken salad if made to a patte'. Which my husband makes for me... And make sure you get that protien in. AND ALOT OF WATER.

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

First week, blah, no thanks, but I got up and tried. Second week, more energy, as well as my third.

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

Spring Valley B-12, and A & D. One Source Active Kids Multi.

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 have a lot of nausea. And Sleep disturbace is always presistant. Cant get comfortable..Laying on my side is a chore. I have had the DUMPING thing 3 times. Trail and error. Everything is a learning experience. And I am so learning. =)

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

The buring pain coming from the inside out by my scar.

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

Nothing yet.

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

Looks great, except for the drainage spot at the bottom.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, still get stared at.