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

I found it out through my cousin. She had it done 2 years ago. She looks great. So I was interested in finding out what gastric-bypass was about and how I could get that information about it. I thought it would be a great way to help me start a new life.

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

I no problem with getting insuranve approval for my surgery.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was very nerve wreaking because the dr. had all the say if I needed or not. To get most out of this meeting is to ask questions. So have questions to ask. I went in with nothing, but my dr thought I was a great person for the surgery, which was the best news of my life.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I went to the group meetings and met alot of ppl that had it done. They really helped me make my decision to get the surgery done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Dr. only did lapascopic gastric-bypass..

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?

Yeah it's normal to have those fears. But theirs a risk to be over weight too. So I took that risk. And it'll change my life for the best. I would do it again.

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 and is very supportive. They are all supportive. They all care about me and want the best for me.

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

Everyone at work has been great. They are all very supportive. I'm going to be out of work 6 weeks maybe more.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. Everyone in the hospital were great. They were very helpfull. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. If I knew I could bring my cell phone I would of so you can call out and stay in touch your loved ones. I brought my own pillow, which I'm glad I did. I also brought stuff I would of brought if I went on vacation. I brought a comfortable outfit to go home in, which is important.

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

They only thing was I got very sick from the pain medz. So I would just be careful with that. Tell the nurses if you don't feel good so they can tell the Dr. so he/she can fix it.

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 felt very nervous after I found out the surgery date because it was getting their. I just thought it would be fine. It will make me a better person and healthier.

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

I feel great after the surgery. I'm home and I feel great. The first month is not so great because you only can eat like baby food and liquids.

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

The hospital I had the surgery at is an hour away. This didn't not affect my aftercare. Everything went great and is still great.

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.

Well I can't regular food. I have to eat baby food like food.

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

I can only walk right now. Which I do every day.

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

just regular chewable vitamins right now.

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?

nausea at the hospital after the surgery and then the day after. Now at home I'm having some hair loss, but I'm uping my protein intake.

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

Just the first month after surgery. The diet sucks.

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

I have group meetings I can go to last thursday of the month or the first tuesday of the month. It's encouaged to go to them. And I'll be starting to go to at least one a month.

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

They aren't that bad. Theirs 6 little ones.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet..I've only lost 15 lbs.