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

I first learned about Gastric Bypass Surgery back n December of 2002. I thought it was barberic. After learning more about it and hearing so many success stories I knew this procedure was meant for me so I went and made my first consult on March 14, 2003.

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

My Insurance Journey was not hard at all. I was approved with in weeks of the submission.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was good. He explain the possible pros and cons of the operation and answered any questions I had. My surgeon is a great man, I really feel he wants what is best for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My daughter, I want to here for here for along time. I want to teach her how to rollerskate, take her on a rollercoaster, on a water slide, run with her. I want her to be proud of her mommy and I want to look up to me. I love my daughter with all my heart and soul and I want to be able to enjoy all the things life has to offer her and me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did the procedure that was most common.

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?

The biggest fear I had was not waking up from surgery and not seeing my daughter again. I would tell other people that it is normal to have these feelings, and that they will get through it because you have to have faith and a positive outlook.

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 acted all differently only because they love me and want what is best for me.

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

they were supportive and excited for me.

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

My stay in the hospital was like any other stay...wanted to be home. Dont get me wrong the hospital staff was very caring. They answered all my questions and took care of me and my needs. I was in the hospital for only 3 days went in on a tuesday left on a friday. The most important thing to bring is a great attitude and trust.

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

I had no complications other then a headache from tha anthesia

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

I dont know if there is an exact thing to expect because everyone is different. I just suggest you take time to rest and take care of your self. Walk Walk Walk if you can that is

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

Only about 45minuts

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 I was only allowed to drink clear liquids and my carnation instant breakfast. Finally I go to the diced proteins like tuna, chicken, eggs etc.

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

It all depended on what I was trying to do....I did get up as much as I could because they strongly suggest you walk

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

Multi-vitamin, a calcium supplement and a B-12 vitamin

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?

Had no problems other then some slight hair loss

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

the headache when i came home from the hospital

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

My scar is about 6 inches and no it was not what I expected. It is small and I am not embarrest to have it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateau's but nothing that i did not get past, don't get discouraged it will all work out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice guys treating me different, I get alot more attention. Other then that I am treated the same way because i am the same person regardless of my weightloss.