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

Talking to friends and through the interent

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, the dr.'s office did it all, I just filled out paper work for them and answered a lot of questions.

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

Wonderful, Dr. Vanguri was not only very knowledgeable, he was nice.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew this would be the only thing that would help me to keep my weight off permanently.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The dr. decided. I figured he has done enough so that he would know what I needed

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 prayed alot, and my church prayed for me. My pastor came to visit with me before the surgery and prayed for me. That was the biggest help;

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 very supportive. They are very supportive to this day

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

I'm a homemaker, does not apply

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 3 days. I heard a lot of patients talking about the nursing care but the nurses I had were great. I do recommend someone staying with you though.

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

I thought I had a blood clot, a lot of pain in right leg, swelling and heat on that leg. Through a lot of prayer, when they did a doppler at the hospital, nothing was found. The tech did say he thought I had one too.

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

anxious. I ate, tried to sleep, read, and prayed

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

I lived in my rocker/recliner. It was easier to get in and out of. I had some pain, problems with wiping my behind after using the bathroom. Couldn't wait to use the shower. Expect some pain and not wanting to eat. I drank a lot.

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

2 hours away. I went to the local hospital for my leg and saw Dr. Vanguri the following week. Family took me.

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 had a hard time with protein, even though it is a very important part of your diet. I also seem to get very gassy when I drink milk, so I don't drink a whole lot. I couldn't eat hardly anything, but as time went by, it got much better. I now eat a lot more nutriously. I don't eat more than 10 grams of sugar a serving or no more than 28 grams of fat in a day.

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

I wanted to sleep alot. With my leg hurting, I couldn't walk very much. Once the pain went away, I walked around the house more.

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

I take 2 iron pills, 2 centrum multi vitamins, 2 B-6, 2 B Complex, 2 - magnesium, 2 zink, and I get one B-12 shot monthly

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 still have some vomiting with some foods, my hair was thin before surgery, I haven't seen much of a change either way. I do get sick if I eat too much, or eat something I shouldn't.

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

The not being able to do anything, like driving, and depending on other people to help me. I like doing things for myself. It's hard to ask someone to help.

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

I have many friends I met from Obesityhelp.com and we talk frequently.

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

It is what I expected. It's long from between my breast to my belly button.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, although I will expect them farther on

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are being more friendlier