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

I looked into bariatric surgery on my own. After doing alot of research on Lapband, i brought the idea to my Dr. It wasn't until I met with Hurley's team, that i realized that Lapband was not for me. I am having the Roux-en-Y on March 12, 2012

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

It was tough!! I recommend you keep copies of EVERYTHING you do. Food intake (journal), exercize log, weigh in's every month with your primary dr., go to a seminar at the hospital that you choose to have your surgery at. (I Highly recommend Hurley Bariatric Center Flint, MI), Make sure you have everything documented about your diet & exercize scanned right into your medical records.

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

It was great! There was a presentation by the Neutritionist, Nurse, and the Surgeon. They answered all my questions there. They were always available on the phone for me to call if i had ANY questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After i failed with Weight Watchers, an realized my health was on a very thin line due to Obeasity. I made my mind up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After LOTS of research about them all. I had a conceltation with my surgeon, an he recommended the Roux-en-Y for me. I realized that was the best for me, for the outcome i wanted.

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?

It is 5 days before my surgery right now. It has been such a LONG, hard battle for me, that i am very ready and very excited. I understand all the complications, but most of the complications are post op from not following the strict rules. I plan to stick to everything the specialists tell me to do. I really dont have any fears right now.

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 are being very supportive.

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

haven't had surgery yet.

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

I loved it! They were very helpful. I was very glad i attended.

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

Surgery March 12.2012

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

surgery March12, 2012

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 was super happy!! It felt awesome finally having a date.

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

Surgery March12,2012

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

298 miles round trip. Flint, Mi

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.

My surgery is not until March 12,2012. I am on a liquid diet 2 weeks before, an 2 weeks after. The shakes are GREAT! Really, they are :)

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

Surgery March 12,2012

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

I take 2 Multivitamins daily, 4000IU of D~3 and 1200mg of Calcium Citrate

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?

Surgery March 12,2012

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

surgery March 12,2012

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

none yet

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

NA

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

NA

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NA