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

I first found out about bariatric surgery from the Bariatric Treatment Center commercials. At first didn't give it too much thought.

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

Getting insurance approval was not difficult. I recommend having previous 5 years of weight, pictures that are dated if possible, and also a letter written by yourself telling about yourself and problems caused by your weight and diets and programs that have been tried.

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

My first visit was very good and informative. I would say to get the most out of this meeting you should do research and also have all your questions you want to ask written down and write down the answers once you get them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health seemed to be getting worse and was unhappy with the way I felt about myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Open-RNY - that was how the dr stated he does the procedure. I also research information on the surgery with the help of books and internet and it seemed to be the best choice.

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 fears of developing blood clots or worse dying from surgery. I am a newlywed and have a young child. But, that passed there are risks with any surgery and I believe that God would keep me safe.

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?

When I mentioned it to my father he was not supportive. But my mother was very supportive and My husband also supported me. And they are the ones that have supported me very well after the surgery.

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

My supervisor reacted very well she was also very supportive and excited for me. I was to be off of work for 6 weeks or so.

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

The hospital stay was very nice I had no problems with it. I was there for 4 days. You should take with you socks with grippers on the bottoms, clothes to wear home, pillow if you want your own pillow, robe, gown or pajamas(optional can just use hospital gown), deoderant, toothpaste, etc.

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

I had no complications with my surgery. Thank the Lord!

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 was nervous but I just talked to my support group and people that I knew had already had the surgery. It helped. I was not so nervous the day of surgery.

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

My first few weeks I was sore but the pain pills helped alot. I started healing great. Hard to get used to just having liquids and going in stages with that. Hard to have people eat around you especially if it was something you really liked to eat before. But you just have to remember you will soon be able to have those regular foods again in moderation. I also would have those moments wondering if I did the right thing but, then always realize that I did.

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

I traveled about 30 min to have my surgery it does not affect my aftercare at all.

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.

Well right now I'm on my 3rd week i'm still in my full liquid stage. All foods that are not liquid are off limits. I have a hard time not being able to drink while eating. It is something I have to work on and to take my time.

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

Days after surgery my activity level was low tired alot (probably due to pain medications). But, I did get my 30min of walking in a day at least and my activity level is increasing.

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

I have been taking Strongstart chewable vitamins. I am currently on Prenate gt tablets now.

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 worse side effects for me so far have been nausia and at times vomiting. Still learning and coping.

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

Waiting. And afterwards feeling of wondering If I did the right thing.

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

My scar is about 10 inches long. It is what I expected. Still a little sore.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone is always telling how great I am doing and how I am looking much better.