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

I first found out about bariatric surgery on TV. My initial impression was that I was scared that I would not be able to eat again after having surgery and that it would be such a drastic measure to take to have to lose the weight.

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

My experience with getting insurance approval was terrific. The people at the Barix Clinic were great with contacting my insurance and all the paper work needed to get my approval. My advise to people would be not to get discouraged with insurance companies, they are just doing their job. Keep your head up and keep trying to get that approval.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was great. I was very comfortable from the minute he walked into the door. In my opinion you should write a list of questions to ask your doctor before you meet with him. The experience is overwhelming and you might go blank when you get to your office visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew this was my last resort. I did not want to die from being overweight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have Roux-en-y proceedure because I knew that there was no going back for me doing it this way as opposed to having the lap-band.

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 fears for complications were great but I knew I was in good hands and knew that if it was my time it was my time.

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?

I have to say my family and friends reaction to my decision to have surgery was ok. Some were hesitant, they werent sure if I was doing to right thing but were supporting me anyway. After surgery, they were very happy for me and confident that I did know what I was doing and were very happy with my results.

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

I was out of work only for 1 week.

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

My hospital stay was good. I was there for 2 days. It was hard to get up to walk around, but you have to get up and move. I would say do not forget to bring your slippers and a robe to cover yourself with because you need to walk around after surgery.

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

I had no complications from surgery.

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

After I got my surgery date I was extremely anxious. I was scared and nervous. I was second guessing myself. I was having a hard time coping with the anxiety. I kept telling myself that this was the only alternative left. I tried everything else.

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

My first few weeks home from the hospital was boring. I did not have many choices of liquids that I liked to drink. I am a very picky eater and drinker so I did not have many choices for myself.

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

I had to travel 2 hours to the Barix Clinic to have my surgery.

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 do not eat anything that has sugar in it. I only have things that have natural sugars in them. I cannot eat hot dogs, they just dont go down, I can eat steak but only a few bites. If something I eat does not agree with me I know immediately after 2 or 3 bites of eating that particular food. I start to feel nauseus and a heavyness to my chest. It is a horrible feeling. Then I know I shouldnt be eating that.

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

I walked up and down the block the days and weeks after surgery. It is very important to walk.

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

I take 2 flintstones complete vitamins daily, and a B-12 vitamin.

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?

Loss of hair was one of my worst side effects. The way I coped with it was to cut my hair short and it was the best thing I did. I love my new hair style now.

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

I think the worst part of my bariatric surgery process was that I did not decide to have it sooner.

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

The support group/program I use is online. I think it is important to have some kind of support group to know what other people are going thru and to know your not alone in this journey.

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

I have minimal scaring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am happy with when I have reached my plateau. I think any more weight that will come off after reaching my plateau is just a bonus for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People dont treat me different they just think I am a different person. My response to them is that my body has changed not my heart or my personality.