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

A couple of my friends had it and did very well.And i thought it would be beneficial for me to atleast look into.So i went to a couple of seminars first to find out what in intailed

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 to go through that stage.Because i had my surgery done in Tijuana Mexico

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

My first encounter with Dr. Kelly was great. He explained everything to me and let me know what to expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just got tired of being overweight and also i was having alot of health issues

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well when going to my visits in the states before deciding to go out of the states i consulted with a dr.and he advised me that i would be better off getting the gastric bypass versus the lapband because he thought the bypass would be a better fit because it was a more rapid and i would lose weight faster.

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?

Well i had alot of complications.And i almost died from it. But i came thru it. I ended up with vitamin def,and brain stem damage, periperial neuropathy, fibromyalgia. I had to take b1 thiamine shots for a year. and have to take pills for nerve damage for the rest of my life.And ended up in the hospital alot for awhile.But this was my own fault because i could'nt take the vitamins.But not everybody is the same .So don't let my story stop u from being healthy. I overcome alot of these ailments thru the grace of god and i thank him.

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 and friends were great. I had a great support system..And i would'nt change a thing.After my surgery my husband made sure i did everything right and helped me in every way he could

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

At the time i stopped working.

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

My first meeting was so informative.I was so glad i attended

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

My hospital stay was great.I was there for 4 days. I brought comfortable clothing.

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

Had to have therapy due to bone loss.vitamin def, periperial neuropathy ,brain stem damage.fibromyalgia.I'm on medication

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After i found out my surgery date i was so excited.I just tried not to ge anxious.

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

I was tired and weak. and still a a little sore

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

I went to TiJuana Mexico so i traveled a long way.i had to find a Dr. in the states to handle my aftercare

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

Tried to stay active and exercise

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

I was taking b1 thiamine injections because of the damage to my brain stem

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?

vomiting , dumping, hairloss.I was effected by these things.My hair just recently grow back in. and the others went away in a couple of months

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

The 2 week liquid diet

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

U have to have a great support system when u have this type of sugery. bvecause it can make u or break u.

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

I can't even see it anymore. yes i'm glad its not visible

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a cou[le of plateau's both not alot

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes i get alot of compliments and i love it and some people do'nt even know who i'am