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

I first found out from my primary doctor. She was telling me about it. I was surprised, and happy, that there was a tool out in the world for overweight people.

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

I had a great experience waiting for the insurance approval.. I gathered all my medical records since I was 5 years old, I am 19 now, and sent all of it in. My advice, make sure that you send in everything that they ask for. I did, and my turn around date was 1 week. I received my approval in 1 week.

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

My first visit with Dr. Nicholson was great! He gave me tons of information from pre-op diet to describing the steps of what is to happen on the day of surgery, and all the info about support groups. You can get the most by asking any questions you have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to become a healthier person and finally lose the weight. It was a personal choice.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the gastric bypass because I felt it was better and safer than the lap band. I really do not like the port that sticks out your stomach...

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 only fear I had was that the anasthesia would go away in the middle of surgery. It did not, for God's sake.

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 where thrilled that I decided to persue this. One of my friends said that I am cheating by having the surgery because God did not intend for us to lose weight surgically. We are still friends and all, but he still kind of nags me about that. They were very supportive.

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

My stay at the hospital was exceptional!!! Everyone was very generous and helpful, they knew what I was going through. Make sure to bring a pillow to hold over your stomach; if you have to cough, it is great support!

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

No complications at all.

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 felt amazing! I was so ready to get it done. The day before, I was kind of anxious.

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

My first few weeks was ok. The first couple days, I still was in a bit of pain. The second week, I started walking around and getting my balance back. The pain was gone, but now it was bits of gas pain in my stomach. Expect to have pain a few days after the surgery. It won't be too bad, but it will be there. After the 1st week, start walking around a bit to keep the blood clots away.

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

Baylor Plano is about 15-20 minutes from my house. It is not far at all.

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

My activity level was increasing little bits after the surgery.

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

Daily, I take 2 children's multivitamins and 2 calcium tablets (all chewable). Weekly, I take 1000mcg B-12 sublingual.

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 was a one time dumping, which was a bit of stomach irritation. I layed down a bit, and it kind of went away.

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

Nothing, to tell the truth!

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

I attend Baylor's bi-monthly support group meetings. They are very good.

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

My scars are somewhat little. The biggest one on the left hurt the most, as that is the one most of the tools were going in and out of.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not really. Just noticed that I am rapidly losing weight!