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

From my PCP, first I said no, But in time I said let me try it took over 18 months or more to get it approved.

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

Patience...

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

Write down Questions, ask plenty so you will understand everything, Listen & ask for Pamphlets or where online you can go to, or look it up yourself it is not hard.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Being 425 lbs.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't my Surgeon Dr. D'Arcy Duke decided & said that one was best for me I said fine. :)

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 did have fears of dying but prayed, Pray have family there with you, Before during & after surgery, Not all family members will agree with what you are doing tho.

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 Daughters & my 2 sisters was very Happy for me, the few online friends I had at the time was Happy for me too, Now I feel good I went from 425 lbs. from last year I am about 359 lbs. still losing...

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

I Do not work...

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

it was ok Can't complain really. I was there from Oct. 2nd, 2007 (5:00a.m.) thru Oct.4th, 2007 (5:30 a.m.) Chap stick, cell phone maybe & anything you think you might use but you will be sleeping a lot the 1st 2 days the day of surgery & the day after.

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

No complications at all from surgery, Just the Pain medication I am allergic to.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Soooo Happy...Just talk to my oldest daughter on phone or online or talk to 1 of my oldest sisters on the phone or online, Plus I have a Yahoo Group I joined they helped too...

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

You do need someone at home I had NO one at all, all my family far, & I have no friends near by that wanted to help... Patience helps, Have someone with you the first 2--3 weeks to help you out always...

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

1 hr. away, Did not affect my aftercare at all I go when they tell me too, weather permitting. :)

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.

2 weeks after surgery was the worst weeks for me, You had to have sugar free drinks & my supermarket next door don't have much & I don't drive so I cannot go any other place. :( Then I was on soft foods like Cream soups or broth, like baby food, that was from 2nd week until the 6th week I believe. I was happy from the 6th week on I basically ate everything else starting soft items first.

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

I am still learning as time goes On I still feel so tired at times but my breathin has gotten much better. :)

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

Many :)

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 am losing lots of my hair, in the beginning I did have some nausea & vomiting, I hate the hair loss, I Do not have the nausea & vomiting now but still am losing hair, I am not coping with losing my hair. :(

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

Worst not sure I hate traveling 1 hr. each way which is 2 hrs. but also hate losing my hair but I know in the end I will lose weight so it will be worth it. :);)

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

I have 2 Yahoo Groups I joined plus this site that helps me out, It is very helpful because you do need people to talk to that has been thru this same thing you have.

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

No scar really, I thought the scars would be worse but they are fine. :)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No Plateau really one point I had gained 4 lbs. I was sooo nervous but she (Dietician) said everything will be fine.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes since they know I had surgery now they say wow you look so good Duh I am losing weight. :)