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

I found out about it through my aunt who had it done and lost a lot of weight behind it so I made an appointment and I went from there

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

Follow your doctors orders. Come to the support meetings and do everything you need to do that your insurance requires you to do.

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

I had the most greatest experience when i walked into his office the people were like family.He explained to me the best outcome of each procedure before i made a decision. The staff took the time out to listen to me and made all of my appoinments for me.The key is to keep asking questions and be prepared for a long term change

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When i took my children to the amusement park and was told i could not fit on their rides cause the seats were not big enough.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor eplained every procedure in detail and told me the outcome that would benefit me in the long term process of being healthy.

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 had a couple of fears but the doctor explain to me that no surgery is safe but if I follow his guidelines I will be ok. I would tell other people that I made it out and I am losing the weight.

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 were supportive in my decision cause I told them I wanted to live to see my family grow.

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

I was only out of work for 4 weeks and my employer is thinking about getting the surgery done too.

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

I was glad and emotional at the same time because i thought i was alone but there is actually help out there and you don't have to do it by yourself.

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 for 2 days they made my stay very comfortable because even before the surgery they would call and make sure you are comfortable and on the day of the surgery the whole staff come to wish you good luck and tell you they will still be there when you wake up they were so supportive and all you have to bring is your change of clothes for your departure from the hospital

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

I had a little after surgery I did not want to eat anything but I had to get the protien in to stay healthy and also my hair shedded but did not fall out completely but i let the doctor know and they admitted me to run test never let a symptom go unanswered.

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 obtained my surgery date on my first visit. I helped me set goals and look forward to a new lifestyle. I had so much support from them that i did not think twice about opting out.

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

My first few weeks home was ok being as though my surgery was before the holiday i was already told what to eat and I did not have an appetite any way.

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

I did not have to travel far the hospital i went to was 30 minutes away from my house

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.

There is a plan you had to follow liquid diet to puree to soft then solid. I was not able to get in the whey protein because it had to be mixed with milk but i could not stomach milk after the surgery. I had to let go fried foods for baked Sugar for sugar subs and a whole list of other things.

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

My first day home from the hospital i was up and walking to prevent me from getting blood clots as the days and weeks went by I started to get a boost of energy and made everyone in the house walk at least a hour a day.My energy level went from 0-60 in just one week.

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

I take chewable multi vitamins, I get a B12 shot from the doctor once a month,you will need protien I like the choclate whey protein cause you can make it like hot chocolate.

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?

I had spasm in my stomach cause I was not told that i could not tolerate cold drinks after a couple of weeks after surgery so i begin to get dehydrated but i started drinking vitamin water and gatorade to help

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

The wait for surgery day

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

The support never stops you have a friend from the first day and they will still be there even after you lose the weight.

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

You cant even see my scars they were so small it looks like i had nothing done

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had none so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no they treat me just the same if any thing they are pushing me to reach my goal.