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

ive known about wls for about 15 years ive been in the 200`s for about 20 years i never thought i was a candidate until very recently i did research and was determined becasue of my family history and my own high bmi 41 i qualified the rest is history

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

i researched dr`s came across dr david kim from a billboard in texas i was in the office within a week the dr and nurses took control the asked questions and they did all the work they told me what was required the rest was all seemless my first visit was 7/10 did the required 3 months classes surgery was scheduled 30 days after my last class 10/10 sugery date 11/29/10

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

my first visit was a lot of Q&A i was given pamphlets to read websites to do further research i felt confident that i made the right choice in dr and surgery

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

just overall preventive and wanting to look hot in my 50`s lol

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

i decided on the sleeve becasue it limits the amount of food i can eat no objects in my body and didnt have to go back in for fills and least amount of complications

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 have a strong faith in god DYING WASNT AN OPTION

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 totally negative becasue they thought wls was for people 500lbs low self esteem, but i was already prepared for the negativity so it didnt bother me. my friends and co-workes have been great while i was on my 2 week liq diet they dieted with me they didnt bring food around me my surgery was the monday after thanksgiving 11/29/10 so it was very trying to stay on the liquids (yes i cheated) but friday morn i was back on track

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

my sup was shocked she had no idea i had issues with my weight to the point of needing surgery she looked to me as being the most well rounded sound minded person but when i explained why i decided hse has a different outlook and supports me

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

i was very glad to be in a room with people like me having the same goals the nurse was very knowlegdeable funny and entertaining she wasnt concerned bout the time she allowed us to ask as many questions as we could

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

i was in the hospital 2 days i must say the staf was the most attetive from the drs and nurse to the housekeeping staff everyone was very nice and patient and very upbeat i had my laptop and my phone i wasnt in the mood for talking to anyone or surfing the net i took my own robe and slippers its important to get up and wakl every 2 hours

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

none

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

its been minimal i was very sore afterwards but pain was bareable no meds once i got home my biggest concrn was how much weight i was losing during the first week and was pleasantly surprised 11 1/2 lbs the first week 246 2 weeks before surgery.242 day of surgery and 230 first dr visit after surgery

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

have help at home dont try to do to much your energy level gonna be almost 0 keep ya water handy and just relaxe

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

about 20 miles

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 first 2 weeks protien drinks water diet drinks i tried soups and broths 3rd week i started soft foods mashed potaotes soft cheese and eggs im still testing what i can eat im only 2 weeks in..

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

first weeks was sleeping and just relaxing i tried to go christmas shopping that lasted all of 3 mins i was back home in bed i was wore out

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

none needed

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?

none

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

getting my strength back is the only thing i can think of

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

none as of yet

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

actually the scars are much smaller than expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

work in progress will update later

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no