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

I heard about it about 7 years ago. And it was much harder and cost more back than. And a year ago my sister had the DS and is doing so well.

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

My surgery's office was great with getting me approval. It did not take long at all.

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

It was a good visit. He went over a lot of info.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have tried diets for many years and was only taking off 5 to 10 and it would go back on in a month or so.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decide to have the DS because of my sister having it.

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 really did not have any fears.

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 has been great with me having the surgery. And very helpful after. I have a great support system.

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

I only told my boss I was having it done. And she support me. I was out of work for 6 weeks.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I got a lot of information out of the seminar. And I am glad I attended.

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

My stay was good in the ICU. The staff was great there. When I moved to a floor I could not find anyone to help me. Bring with you, your family..

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

The first three days I was really nausea.

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 had a count down on my Ipod. I was so Happy.

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

I did really well no pain. Would get tired fast. Eating was very slow.

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

I travel about 30 mins. So not far at all..

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 could not eat anything that had chocolate in it. At about three weeks I could eat anything.

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

I would walk around a bit but would get tired fast. Now at 8 weeks out I walk the treadmill 30 mins a day.

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

ADEK,D,C,calcium, muti vitamin, B12, Iron

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 was very nausea for three days after surgery, About two weeks out I had dumping. And so far no hair loss. People tell me my hair has been looking great..

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

I'm at a stall right now..

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

I have had my sister who have had it done a year before me. And I go on Obesity Help .

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

My scar looks really good. And yes it's what I ecpected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have a plateau now and it start at I think 5 weeks out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really