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

I found out through my regular doctor and I was very excited about it.

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

I didnt have no problems at all, I was approved right away!!

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

I was very nervous but excited at the same time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Bc I realized that I had to do something about my weight n health problems

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Chosen by the surgeon

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 so scared and started crying about the whole situation, but I knew the lord was gonna be with me at the time of surgery. I so would do it all over again.

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?

All my family and friends were happy for me and they were my support as well!!

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

Wasnt working at the time

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was excited, I wanted to learn more about the surgery

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

I really did enjoyed it and I felt very comfortable knowing that I had the help from all the nurses n staff. My hospital stay was for 2 weeks.

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

No complications at all!!!

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 in alot of pain but that was taken under control

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

I was so happy to be home

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

about an hour

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

I was up and walking

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

vitamin D, Multivitamin, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Vitamin B1

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 nausea n vomiting for about a week, which these side affects are normal following after surgery!!

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

Having a Tracheastomy put in.

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

I attend a support group here in my area once a month.

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

Not really noticeable

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES