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

At first, I said only lap band was for me...then surgeon said NO it isnt for you.

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

I didnt have much issues with getting approved but have a great case worker through BCBS TN.

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

My first surgeon actted as if he knew what he was doing but really treated you as if you were a number with a check for him..this was not Dr Houston.. anyways this surgeon who is from clarksville tn told me all the requirements for approval.. okay so my thoughts were I am a Nurse and if I have surgery through my company all the hospital stay and surgery will be wrote off so my out of pocket will be almost nothing...WRONG..ALMOST LOST MY LIFE TRYING TOSAVE A BUCK!!!! After the bad experience in clarkville tn my insurance company found Dr Houston who took me on and saved my life..he had to redue the mess caused by doctor in clarksville.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

trying to have baby..

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

doctor told me what I needed.

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?

look very close at the doctor and look at others too..take your time because my experience was bad and if there were complications I got them. only because the mess up my first doctor caused..

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?

at first very scared and really encouraging me to think about it..my family has been great at my side day and night for the last 6 months.

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

I have been off over 6 months due to complications. My job is no longer available. so who cares I am alive.

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

yes i learned all about diff surgeries.

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

I have been in and out the hospital since the aug 30th 2011. take your pillows and computer.

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

it has been a downward hill since aug 2011... if there were complications i had them all. First of all i went to the wrong surgeon....then found DR HOUSTON IN NASHVILLE TN.. WONDERFUL MAN AND DOCTOR.

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 do have anxiety after my 2nd rny gastric bypass.. I feel like I am waiting on the boom to come due to all my problems. I do have a great new doctor who is helping me deal with this.

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

Very slow recovery but just move. it does get easier. At first u will feel like you are hungry but believe me your mind will kill u.

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

now i travel 4 hours.

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.

strictly low sugar and carbs.

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

slow but walking now.

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

complete vitamins b12 omega 3 calcuim vitamin d

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 have had bad hair loss.

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

clarkville tn and TPN at home.

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

through dr houstons office.