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

There has been a lot of info about the surgery and I thought that it would be the only way that I could lose weight and keep it off.

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

No problem, have medicare and AARP

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

It was very informative. The emphasis was on getting me to exercise.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have a fantastic looking husband and I felt that he deserved better. I have a family history of type 2 diabetes and heart disease and I knew that the weight would put me in jeopardy. I am being treated for high cholesterol.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Laparoscopic was offered at the Bariatric center and it is the least invasive surgery.

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?

My husband was very apprehensive until he went to a support group with me. I have told my best friend and she is very supportive. I haven't told anyone else except my doctors, therapist, and couselor.

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

I stayed overnight and went home the day following surgery. Bathrobes are useless because of the IV's .A good book or magazines were all I really needed.

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

I had a stricture that had to be dialated as a hospital outpatient under local anethesia.

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

Felt great. No anxiety. I started doing some substitute teaching.

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

There were no problems. The pain eased after the first week and was gone after the 3rd week.

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

25 Miles

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 could eat everything. Untoasted bread would make me feel full too soon. I found that I could tolerate limited amounts of sugar so that I didn't have to watch contents quite so intensely. I had to drink while eating. I would gag because me mouth would be so dry.

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

It has been high.

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

Centrum Silver Chewable , B12 500mcg. Silica 11mg and Ultra NourishHair from GNC

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?

Never vomited or had nausea. I would get an uncomfortable feeling if I ate too much. Hair loss was significant after 4 months but it is growing back. The GNC suppliments helped with the hair loss.

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

The hospital.

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

I have called the bariatric center with questions and have been given the answers I needed. My support group has been friends and family.

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

I have 6 small scars. They are insignificant. It was as I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateau and stay there for up to a month and then suddenly drop 5 pounds. I know that I am losing because of the way my clothes fit so I don't get discouraged.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I feel more confident and therefore, people react to the confidence.