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

I talk to some co-workers that their friend did it and it works, I was a liittle afraid , but when I start going to supports groups I was amazed, about all the changes people go specially healthy.

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

DON'T GIVE UP, keep going until you get it approved.

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

It was very good , he explain to Us how was the surgery done and the changes that I have do for the rest of my life ,the risk and the good outcome. He was very honest and caring.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I developed diabetes 6 months before and I know the damage can do to your body if is not well managed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was the only proceedure they do here and the best that works better.

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?

I was scared ,but all my preop testing was good , so I just prayed and told God to take care of me no matter what happends , is normal to be afraid but if I did not do this any way I was going to die soon or later for a heart attack or the diabetes will kill me slowly. Be positive and pray to God.

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 was very supportive and they are so helpful even after the surgery. They are very happy with decision,

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

They were very supportive and they told me to take good care of me and come back wherever I feel ready. I took 3 weeks off work.

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

I stay at hospital 3 days, it was very pleasant they took good care of me, they will provide everything you need , maybe bring some sleepers, bathrobe ,underware,etc.

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

Thanks God had no complication everything was great.

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 look for a lot of information and my favorite place was this site and looking at the before and after pictures.

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

Maybe a little pain , just keep drinking your liquids and walk as much as you can tolerate.Do everything the Doctor tell you to do.

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

About 25 minutes.

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.

I had no issues with my eating the first few weeks the only thing I try to eat 1 egg yolk with 2 egg whites the egg white were ok but the egg yolk was no tolerated, made me very sick. eggbeater are the best.

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

I was walking the same day I had my surgery and during my hospital stay and as soon I came home I was walking ,feeling pretty good.

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

Centrum chewables, calcium Viactive for women

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?

The only side effects I had so far is thinning of my hair that hopefully will get better in 4 months.

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

I will say that I was very thirsty ,and wanted water so bad,

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

We have a wonderful support group preo and post-op We discuss the things that work better for us and how we are feeling.

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

They are almost gone and I'm very happy with the result.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

so far so good for now will see the next few months coming up of my journey.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I will be honest YES everybody telling me I'm looking great