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

Hmm, does scared as hell because of another surgery count? The more research I did, the more at ease I was. I found a wonderful, caring surgeon who helped me and showed me what was what.

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

I never really had any problems getting approved. I had great Dr.'s helping me all the way, from my primary to my surgeon. I did alot of research to find my surgeon, even when it the surgery was new. I say never give up! Make your Dr. work the system for you, so you get what you want!

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

My first visit with my surgeon was great! But he required me to attend a seminar so I had to stay overnight in a hotel so I could do it all. I also had to see a shrink. I guess alot of Dr.'s make it manditory that we see them so they really know we aren't crazy and we really want this.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I saw my mother and my siblings getting past the 300 pound mark and having major health problems. My mother was the thinnest of them all, and having heart problems, diabetes, and numerous other heath problems I decided that I wasn't going to be like my siblings.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The gastric by pass was the only proceedure available at the time.

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?

When you go in for surgery you have to realise that you never know what your outcome is going to be. You always have to plan for the worst and be prepared for the outcome when it isn't the worst. I have had numerous surgeries and when you go under you always pray that the surgeon and The Good Man Above have talked and you will come out ok, and you will, but there is that 1 in 100 that don't. So be prepared.

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?

It was my decision, they didn't have much to do with it. They supported my decision. They seen how miserible I was and they saw how this could help me.

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

I wasn't working.

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

It was intimidating at first, but they welcomed me with opened arms, and made me feel very very comfortable.

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

I was in one of the best hospitals I have ever been in. I have been in a few before this, and all I can say is this place was wonderful! I was in including the surgery day 4 days. I brought pictures of my sons, my slippers, and very comfy clothes

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

No complaints

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 am only a week out, so I can only relate to what I know. I have little anxiety, I am just concentrating on getting healed correctly and staying on the liquids while my pouch heals.

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

Learn to roll out of bed, like if you hurt your back, so you can get out of a flat bed. Everything at waist level, so no bending or reaching occurs. Make your meals ahead of time, for family, because you are not going to want to cook when you get home, and have them in the freezer. Not to be gross, but a "wiping" apperatice because you will not be able to move very easily, and it does help. And lots of walking.

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

I went about 250 miles. Aftercare will not be affected. I will travel the distance, because my health is important to me.

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.

Haven't hit that yet

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

haven't hit that yet

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

b-12, two children's chewables am & pm, liquid iron & biotin

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?

NO dumping yet, no vomiting either.

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

I can't really say there is a worst part. I am pleased with my results

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

I do alot of online and phone calls with my friends that I met pre and post op

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

scar is really small andreally faint color

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had to actually gain weight. I thought I would never say that. I was hard to do

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes! I notice people treating heavier people mean and I get really sad! I flash back to when I was heavy and when I was picked on