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

I read it on the subway.sound to good to be true

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

I was approve as soon as it was submitted. be patient .

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

It was very interesting.Don't be afraid to ask question.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of losing and gaining the weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I took my doctor"s advice.

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?

my biggest fear was that the surgery wouldn't be successful.

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 couldn't believe a was going threw with it. very supportive.

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

they were fine with it.i told him a was have weight loss surgery.I took a month and a half..

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

It was were helpful.and to some of my fears away.

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

It was fine.My doctor was wonderful and so was the rest of the staff.I stayed three days.An overnight bag with the needs basic .T.he hospital provided everything else

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

No.everything went fine.

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 a little nervous .my faith in god help me.

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

I felt discomfort in my stomach area.and i also had gas pain.expect to feel tired and a little weak.

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

It was about 30 mins away

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.

First two weeks protein shakes ,sugar free jello,teas,sugar free juice,broth..

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

just light walking

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

vitamins b12.prenatal vitamins.botin for hair and nails.

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 had vomiting if a eat too fast or if the food didn't agree with me.i had hair loss because i wasn't eating enough protein.couple of months.eat more protein and took botin vitamins

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

i think when i felt weak.and light headed/

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

I did a lot of reading .it very important to know what changes your body going to be going threw and research on the web and attend support groups

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

i have no scar,it was done threw my belly button

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

not really

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes. they don't recognize me.