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

newspaper,i thought if i ever get a chance that i would have it done.

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

i didn't have a hard time with the insurance company. maybe it was because i was so sick.at the time and had to take so much med.

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

my first visit was nice with my dr. just listen to him and ask your question.write them down if needed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i was tired of being heavy and was very sick.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

after hearing what the dr said. and i knew that i didn't want to be bother with getting that fill every month.

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 din't.

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?

most of them stood byside me.one friend got anger and i don't think she like me anymore.because i'v lose so much weight.

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

i'm not working so i didn't have that to worrie about.

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

Carmel hospital was excellent,the docters,nurse,and all.toothbrush,gown,toothpaste.

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

no, not one.

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 scare and happy at the same time.i just took some deep breaths and smile and gave thanks.

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

i was tired,i sleep, just relexing. just know that you will be tired,and sore.

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

i travel about 2 hours to indy,it wasn't hard at all.because i go there anyway to see my grandson.

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.

you can't eat anything hard just soft food.every thing is off limits for a while.then each month things are added.

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

the first weeks just walking then after a months or so you can do whatever you want too.

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

flintstone,b-12,proteins drinks,etc...

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 had a lot of nauseaalso hair loss anddumping when you try to eat something that you shouldn't.

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

i can't say that there is anything bad about it.

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

the after care is very helpful,because you will have to deal with seeing youself differly.so group therapy is very hepful.

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

it's small, and yes, it is what i thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

well, i had two plateaus,the fist one came when i hit 200 lbs the next one is now. ican't get below 170 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, the mens look at you like you are a peice of meat. and women don't like you or don't want to know you .