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

I was very interested in the surgery, but it scared my family so I didn't persue it at first.

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

I had no trouble at all getting insurance approval. I feel very fortunate. But others I have known have had to be patient for months waiting for approval.

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

My surgeon was very matter of fact and made it a point to make sure I knew what I was getting myself into. Go in with your questions on paper. Otherwise you may forget what you waNted to find out. Ask a lot of questions. A good doctor will answer them all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was the only way for me. I knew it woiuld ultimately save my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I left it up to my 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?

My biggest fear was internal leakage from not being stiched correctly on my intestines. I think the only calming factor was trust in my surgeon.

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?

My family was concerned, but supportive.

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

My boss was actually one of the people who helped me make the decision to have the surgery. My entire office knew what I was having done and they were and have been greatly supportive. I was out of work a litte more than 2 weeks.

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 and 3 nights. It was an okay hospital stay.

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

No complications at all thank God!!

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 sore from the surgery. I let my body rest. I didn't have anxiety

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

Your mind tells you that you should be eating, but your body needs to heal. DON"T EAT!! I have heard so many horror stories of people being ill from eating too soon.

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

I travel about 75 miles. It hasn't really affected my after care

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

very little activity. I wanted to take full advantage of my time off work and heal and rest.

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

calcium, super complex B, 2 flinstones chewables per day

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 had quite a bit of hair loss. No bald spots just a lot of thinning

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

THe hair loss

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

I attend a monthly support group meeting. It is very informative.

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

My scar is keyloid. It itches and is very senstive. I am using special bandages to help it subside.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes.