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

I first started to investigate about the surgury about 7 yrs ago but didn't have enough nerve to do it I wanted to try other ways of losing wight and try to do it on my own. That made me gain more weight. I thought more and more about it when I kept gaining weight, I thought it was a very good idea, since health problems could over come me.

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

insurance for me was no problem

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

My first visit was informative, I asked all my questions that I hade he answered them and I would say just make sure you have all your questions answered before you leave and get the surgery

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

looking at pictures where I had a double chin and wanting to be healthy or more energetic, so when I do have kids I can keep up with them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Actually the doc that I went to only did one so I did that one.

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 really didn't have any fears, just was happy to get it done. I guess my only one was that after surgery I wouldn't get all the nutrition I needed, if your going to or thinking about the surgery there is only a small percent that don't make it through but your life will be much better and you will feel alot better about yourself if you don't already.

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?

At first my parents didn't want me too then was happy for me. Everyone else was happy for me. No. Everyone helped me out and are still if needed. they are thanked very much, My mom visited me everyday int he hospital and stayed home with me when I got out of the hospital, I know my did wanted to be thre but he was on a trip but he called and talked to me which was just fine. I love them a lot. my boyfriend had to work but when at home he called all the time and made sure I was okay. they did very good for me.

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

My supervisor supported me but didn't think I needed it until I told her how much I weighed.I told them the truth that I was going out for surgery in two weeks(when I found out) and they supported me. I was out of work for 1 1/2 months.

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

The stay in the hospital was fine, i just didn't like how I had to do physical theropy right after I ate( drank ) in the morning, I perfered a little later. other than that everyone was very helpful and very friendly. I recommend that hospital to who can go.

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

no all has been good. I've had low protein levels but fixed that by eating and drinking enough protein. Like the doc said.

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

The first two weeks were pretty good I had someone aound for the first week my loving family and friends. I made sure that I did what the doc said, eat out of the 1/4 measuring cup. that made a beg difference. every time there was a change in what I could eat it was okay at first but by the 4th day or so it was harder, hoping to have a different varity. But it wasn't too bad. During this time watch wat you eat and don't eat too much or drink, and don't try to think of what you can't have but what you can have.

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

I only had to travel about 20 miles not far.

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, only liquids, 2nd week soft foods, such as peanut butter, beans, oatmeal, jello, and still liquids. 3rd I was still doing good so I could have everything except raw veggies, skin on fruit and meats. 4th anything but not red meat for 1 month. It didn't bother me with the changes and i didn't have problems so I was fine. I now can eat a small meal over time about 30-45min.

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

For the first week or two I walked daily but rested a lot too. sitting up was tiring I had to do that in intervals af 10 to 15 min because I was tired but after that each day I had more energy

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

I take 4 flinstone complete a day 2 viactives chewables a day ( calcium, vit k, and vit d) and every mon, wen, and fri I take a b complex

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?

my smell of dumping was very strong and gas was very strong also, I still have that and depending on what I eat depends on odor and how things come out. I use a charcol pill and beano to help with that. I am currently lossing some hair but not much so I'm not too worried yet about that. other than that I havent had problems

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

Nothing really maybe staying in the hospital when I shared my room. Not all other patients are easy to room with.

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

None really jus friends and family and the support here.

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

long but little, he did a very good job, and yes its what I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

nothing yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

A lot of people a more encouraging and nice and happy for me