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

A friend had it and I watched her progress and thought it was great!

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

I wrote a very honest and moving letter as did my private doctor- it helped

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

He is fast and efficient- but always late

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to LIVE!!!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let my surgeon decide

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 was afraid of dying- post-op infections, clots, etc. but I was dying anyways without it and decided to go for the better life. You have to understand the odds and make an informed decision that you can live with. Include your family in this decision but remember it is yours to make!

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 thought I was crazy and should try more yo-yo dieting except for my husband who was always supportive. They were all great after surgery!

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

She was very supportive. I was out for 6 weeks

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

3 days- the staff was very nice and supportive

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

none

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 very excited yet afraid at times of the possibility of dying

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

I was weak, tired, and nauseated but so very happy that I did this wonderful thing!

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

1 hr- no problems

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 very little but gradually it increased. It took me a long time to eat slowly and small amts. I still get nauseated with beef but everything else is okay except for high carbo's which cause me to dump.

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

slow and then gradually getting better

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

multi-vit, iron, calcium, b and b12, vit c

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?

all of the above. I had a lot of problem with hair loss but started using a shampoo that took care of that problem.

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

the nausea. I think I have problems with that because of the diabetes but I would take bonnine and it would be fine.

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

staple club- it is great for new post-0p but I need one for longer term

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

ugly and I did expect it

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several and I have to exercise harder to get off them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes- they are nicer and friendlier.