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

I have heard of it for years. Had talked about it for years. But got serious about it when i found no other options to keep living a life worth living. I saw an ad and sent for brochures. They called and followed up with me and I made the appointment. And now I am so excited and up just knowing there is another side to life just around the corner

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

I have Bc/BS OF MN .. they approved me 1st time around and paid very well..

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

My first meeting was interesting I was scared but got lots of good information and I really enjoyed talking to a post op patient that gave me so much hope

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Sick and Tired of feeling bad... hating myself everytime I had to refuse to go for a walk or to a store because my weight made is so hard to catch my breath or walk any length at all

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

My stay in the hospital was wonderful.. I love the idea of everyone in the hospital is there for the same reason. I was in for 3 days. I really didnt need to bring anything I was so very impressed they had everything I needed there and even supplied a pair of tongs to wipe with.. they know just what your going to need. I wouldnt have changed hospitals for anything

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

I didnt have any complications with my surgery until about 6 months when I had to have a hernia repair due to the 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?

The waiting was the worst. I had such hope. I used the time of waiting to get onto the internet to use the support groups. That was wonderful and I really made some new friends. That is what helped with the anxiety.

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

I rode home 5 hrs from hospital stopping every hour to walk to prevent blood clots.. I can tell you I lived in my recliner for about a week or so. I was sore but the more I walked the better that got.I was so greatful to my husband he was a life saver counting my proteins, making my meals.. I dont know if I would have done as well with out someone to help me out that way for the first couple of weeks

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

I traveled from Winterset, Ia to Belevidere Il which is about 325 miles but well worth the drive.. I would do it again in a minute. I researched and they were the best qualified to do the 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.

the first week I couldnt handle fruit juice but with in 4 weeks I could. I still have problems with pasta and breads. I can eat breads if toasted but the pasta is just too gummy. I am able to eat about what ever I want in small amounts. I have noticed with month 7 post op that I have been able to eat larger amounts then prior months but still not alot

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

I have only been able to use the internet support groups but honestly have stayed away from those for the past month as I keep seeing things that sabotage my own recovery so have found it best to stay postive on my own right now. we dont have any support groups near my location.

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

my scar is the whole length of my stomach from under my breast to below my belly button. It is what I expected,they were open about that at my intake

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only had a couple plateaus and they both only lasted maybe a week or two

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, most are postive and supportive. But there are those who are somewhat hostile, I think due to jealousy, but those people also have their own issues with their weight and I dont take it personally