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

i was reading a magazine and saw a woman who had lost weight with a number to call i did they sent me books and a video i was impressed also they have answers to my questions not just ill get back to you or oh lets take some blood and see whats wrong

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

my suggestion is find out what your insurance company needs in way of papers doctor information and tests they need before they will approve benifits...Get a contact one person to deal with and who to send the paperwork to...one person who will take the time to call you if there is a problem or take your calls and get you an answer...do not wait for them to do it for you...

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

My surgeon was wonderful. after researching about the surgery they said to take questions with you..no matter how simple or stupid they seem to you ask them...My surgeon took the time to make me feel comfortable and make sure that I have asked all my questions and he answered them if You do not feel comfortable find a reason why ask questions til you do..

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After all the research and the meetings with people at the center I decided this surgery was for me It was something I needed to do for me and my health

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I started reasearching the different procedues along with the pros and cons of both surgeries and felt that the open was right for me ad after talking to people in the chat rooms and the doctors only convienced me evenmore

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?

The fears you are experiencing are normal and you should be afreaid if you dont have those fears, but if you trust your doctor have faith. I realized that the fears I had about the surgery were the same fears that I had about being oveweight...dying..health complications.. and those fears scared me even more

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 decided to have the surgery i knew in my mind it was the right thing..my family was shocked to say the least and at first kicked and screamed but when they saw how determined I was they slowly came around...Their reaction had nothing to do with my communicating to them it was out of their fear of the unknown ...It has been 3 yrs and thy are very supportive with me...I am a very lucky person to have such a supportive group around me

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

My supervisor, at first was the only one at work I told..she was very supportive of my decision..unbeknowist to me she was using me as a sota test..I told her exactly what I was having done and why and I would be off of work about 3 weeks which was true..now 3 yrs later she is 6 months into her post op and enjoying it as much as I have...

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

It was exhausting, the nurses and the respitory people were making sure I was walking and breathing..well guess thats what they are there for, I was there for 3 days..the most important things I brought with were my pillow and some books al though I was really tired and slept when they let me remember do the breathing exercises and walking it speeds up recovery

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

no complications

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 felt great 3 weeks after the surgery I was back to work, I'm lucky my job allows me to sit. but I felt wonderful

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

My first few weeks home were hard Ihave 3 small children and they didnt understand they couldnt jump on mommy at first...or that mommy couldnt lift anything heavy..because of my husband (now ex)I knew I had to recover as fast as I could for my familys sake...but if at all possibe others should know the more you walk and start getting around the better it is

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

I had to travel about 2 hours to the hospital...it was not a bad drive and as far as the after care for the first few times it was hard because of the drive, I had a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, but it was worth it ...

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

for the first few days I was able to wak but slowly and for short periodsat a time...as time went by and I started walking longer times and with the help of my sister and best friend I started about 3 months a work out plan...I stil have a hard time doing alot of sit ups but now i can do them as long as I do not over do it...

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

I take a multi vitamin daily but I try to get vegtables and a balanced diet to help with my intake I also make sure I keep my protein intake and some fat intak up

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

there was no worst part for me .... this surgery for me has been a life changing and wonderful experience... I cannot thank those around me for all the wonderful things this surgery has done for me

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

I tried to get into a support group but with my job and my three kids dont have time...however I o join in the chat rooms online on the website and everyone is wonderful.Its be very helpful with any questions or concerns every phase of the procedure are on that chat site and help with the answers and this is been very important to me

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

I have a long scar however it is not that noticeable. It is what I expected but for what I have gained it is worth it

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have it about 4 plateaus since the surgery but each time I have adjusted my diet and exercise and it has helped well I am in a plateaus right now but I am almost at my goal of 100 lbs and that last 10 lbs it hasnt been 1 yr yet.. I'm not worried it will come off it will take time Its a new feeling not to be worried that it will all come back on

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes it is so funny, from work to socially I Have noticed that people talk to me on a one on one level not down to me ...socially Its either feast or famine and guys will either judge me now, I have been told I am too skinny or not skinny enough...funny huh but i notice that i no longer recieve the nasty looks at the rest. when ordering or get the snide comments about the clothes I am looking at now sales girls help me find sexy clothes to wear...