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

I was doing research on weightloss porgrams. I was interested at once.

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

My insurance did not cover the surgery...I am self pay...but my advice...make sure you qualify, ask questions and stay on top of them...bug them if you have to.

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

I actually saw 2 different surgeons...they were both very informative, and have open door policies. Go in with any and every question, fear, or information that you can and if you don't understand ASK.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was starting to decline and I couldn't do a lot of the things that I had when I was lighter.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched both the by pass and the band and I actually have several friends that have had both and I decided in the end that I needed a tool to help me not such a drastic change as the by pass.

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?

My only fear was how I would react to the anestesia (sp?) after surgery. I am usually one of those people that gets sick. They want you NOT to be sick so they prep you with good stomach drugs and anti-naseous meds. And listen to your body.

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?

Most of my friends were happy but they wanted to know why I was doing it. They thought that I was perfect the way I am/was. My parents were had seen me struggle all of my life with my weight and were excited that I was finally going to get the help I needed. Both friends and family have been really supportive and even wanted to participate in my process so that they could help me along the way with the program.

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

Pretty much the same reaction as most of my friends but weren't really that invested in my personal life. I was out for 3 days.

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

My hospital stay was short and sweet. I think it was a total of 6.5hrs. Bring your sense of humor...the nurses and dr. were all very nice, informative, and caring. I would bring something warm to wear if you are having it done in the colder months...keeps you from shivering and tensing up everything if you get cold.

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

I have been really lucky, I have had no complications so far. But I have a support group and the surgeon and his staff are always a phone call away to answer a question.

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

Relieved, anxious (sp?), scared, and hopeful. I was lucky I had a friend that had surgery the same day and time so we were able to talk to each other about what was going on.

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

You are sore, tired, and you will get cranky. But it does get better.

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

My surgeon was the next town over so it was only like 20miles from my home...

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 am only 2 weeks out so I have been just on pureed protein and protein supplements I haven't really been able to test out a lot of foods. I will update as I get further out.

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

1st week...activity level...nil 2nd week...felt like I was back to normal

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

I have been taking vitamins, my normal medications, and a calcium supplement

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 haven't had any of the side effects mentioned.

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

Waiting

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

I have yet to join one...I am going to one this week

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

the scars are not what I expected...I have 5 and hopefully they will all pretty much go away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Currently I am awaiting my 1st fill...I seem to be sitting at a standstill right now...once I got off of just liquids.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.