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

I only by accident got on this site just mistyped. I know God helped!!!!!!!!!! I had heard of the surgery but you turned it into something real.

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

I was approved quickly. My insurance provider triede to deny surgery after I had it. We faught and won. Do not give up.

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

I have a great surgeon with excellent bedside manner. Ask any and all the questions you can thimk of. Bring in a list so you don't forget.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of living in my body with no energy and no will. I quit smoking and knew after that I could reach goals I set for myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I needed the most restrictive because I know the problems I had and rny was the best option for me.

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 are normal get through them and know it will be worth it in the long run.

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 am lucky even though they were afraid they knew it was the right choice.

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

I was honest because I knew it would leak out anyway. I had mixed reactions. I had to be out for 3 months due to complications.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. Don't bring much you will be in no mood to do much. Magazines or books are good and your own toiletries.

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

I developed an infection 10 days after surgery. It was hard because I had to be re-opened and had to drain and re-close. I had to be out of work 3 months. It was hard physically and emotionally. Knowing it would get better and time.

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

That is a hard time. Keep up the faith.

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

I had open rny. You will be sore! Take it easy but keep moving. It is the hardest period of time. Know if you can get through it you'll be on your way to a thinner happier healthier you.

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

I have an hour and a half trip. I knew this and made a point not to let this affect my aftercare.

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.

The first few weeks all liquid diet. Jello,broth,tea,pudding. Then I was able to eat egg beaters oatmeal blended foods. Mashed potatoes were also very tolerable to me. As the weeks went by I was able to introduce almost everything I ate before.

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

I was bed ridden due to being open. As soon as I could I did the treadmill daily.

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

I took two childrens chewables and four Tums. My doctor has patients on the Viactive 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?

I have been lucky. I have gone through the vomiting when I wasn't ready for foods. I just reintroduced them later and that worked. At 5 months I started with the hair loss but not to bad.

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

My infection was the worst part but I knew it could happen.

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

I have a monthly support group I go to. I love it and think they are critical to a successful journey.

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

My scar is huge but I didn't care do to other scars Ive had.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am slowing down a great deal and plateau for weeks at a time. Change your eating and exercise and you will get through it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have much more respect now. Fat people are thought to be lazy and you are not treated as well as when you are thinner. Men flirt a lot more.