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

A friend had the surgery and felt it would be good for me. I was scared.

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

I am in the medical insurance business so I kne what to do to get approved so for me it was breeze

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

I love Dr. Carter. I was scared and he hlped ease my mind.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Both my parents died very young my dad was 38 and mu mom 54. Both were very overweight and had health issues. It was basic fear for me of dying and leaving my family.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon and lots of research of my own.

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 mainly afraid of blood clots, and leaks, and dying during the surgery. I prayed alot, talked with my surgeon, talked with anyone who would listen but i knew in my heart i had to do 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?

They were not happy but supportive.

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

The best i could have asked for. I was very lucky went back to work in less than 2 weeks.

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

I was in ICU first night, then reg. rm and home the next day. I was great except I have bad veins and went to long without pain meds.

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

no

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 talked alot and I was already on Meds for anxiety.

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

The first week was fine the second week when i went home you do get a withdrawl from not having the crutch of eating. That is something no one told me I would experince. It was horrible. I was begging for something to eat.

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

30 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 stayed on protein shakes for 6 weeks with popsicles, broth, and I will not lie it was tough. I was not hungry but my mind was used to eating.

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

i walked, walked, it helped with the gas etc.

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

b-12, flintstones complete, and Vit C

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 only lost a little hair, have had dumping and sometimes still do nothing else.

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

There is no worst part for me, it was not a picnic but it was a necessity so I made the best of it. I hated the thick protein drinks and if I never have to do that again it would be too soon. Also before surgery i had to drink this stuff to clean you out that was worse than the surgery itself

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

none really except surgeon and obesity help.com

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

it was fine I am allergic to surgical tape so it was worse then scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has been four years and i have not lost anything since last July 2007. I am still not at goal weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, although i am much hardier on myself.