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

A friend of mine had it done. Plus I seen the ads on TV.

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

I had no problem

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Last resort and I am not totally thrilled with my results. I only lost 40lbs in 3/1/2 months. I still do not eat very healthy but I do not like alot of foods that are good for me. Any suggestions ? Will I fail?

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor decided

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 worried about not waking up from the surgery. Blood clots. Try not to get to upset. I had more problems with getting an IV in.

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?

Some family members were happy and some were not. My children were worried about me dying. Everyone is supportive now.

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

I was there 3 days. The hospital was ok.

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

Not from the surgery but complications from the IV and epideral did not work for the pain. It was painful afterwards.

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

Tried not to think about it. If I did and would start thinking Maybe I should not go through this I would say no stop thinking and just do it.

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

Very sore and full of gas. Sick of liquids.

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

About 30 miles. Did not effect it to much

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 ate soft foods the second week. I eat anything I want unfortunetly. Nothing makes me sick. I am almost 4 months post-op and I feel I can eat to much.

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

Slow the first 3 weeks. Then it gets a little better.

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

Flintstones. Now I have found a small one a day I can swallow its great. I hate chewables

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

Getting prepared for the surgery. The IV and then the pain for the first week. The 3 days in the hospital were really tuff

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

I have none but would like to have one. If anyone can help me with that let me know.

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

It is very long and pretty ugly. Yes it is what I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had the surgery on Oct 23 2001 and it is now Feb 2002 I have only lost 40lbs. I have not lost in about two weeks I guess. This is the first time I have not lost any. I am losing slower than most people. I guess it is because I am not making the best food choices. I still thought I would lose eating less of the foods I like. I guess not. I am a little disappointed.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet