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

a friend. I thought it was a miracle!

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

I have no insurance, however my partner offered to pay for this....to save my life and live a healthy life!

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

make sure you ask questions. My Dr was totally willing to answer any I had and I felt comfortable asking him the questions I had

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

with my doctor we talked about the best kind for me. and we both decided on RNY

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 have to have a IVC filter and thats the scary part. One reason I went with RNY is because I can stand the thought of staples...however I dont think I could have had the lap band because that thing is inside. Just like the filter. I feel if I dont have this surgery, I will die. So thats the fear

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 boyfriend is super supportive. My family would rather I didn't do it...but i believe its because the are worried

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

I am a student so this doesnt pertain to me

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

The nurses and staff are amazing people.I was there for 2 days I am so thankful everyone was so attentive to my needs and I would recommend MMPC and Blodgett to anyone seeking kind caring people to look after you. I would have brought lotion. Its really dry. Chapstick and a back scratcher

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

I had reactions to the pain medications. I was given new meds and other medications to combat the reactions

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

The gas is terrible. but I am getting better everyday

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

IN my town

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

The gas pain and nausea.