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

I learned about the surgery on TV almost ten years ago. I was excited andnervous about the after math of such a procedure.

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

I stongly advise that you chose a doctor that has a great team and associates that step them thru the insurance requirements. My doctor, nutritionist, everyone knew what my insurance requirements were.

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

My first visit was great. He reviewed what the procedure was and gave me a packet of reading material. To get the most out of your meeting make sure you study his website and attend his informational seminar offered at the hospital.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

my health was getting worst and I knew I was going to die if something didn't change quickly.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance and I wanted any change to be final

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 concerned that I may not make it thru the procedure but I knew I was going to die if I kept the direction I was going.

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 not supportive because my uncle died from the procedure some years back which caused me to prospone my previous plans to have the surgery. I didn't tell my family when I was having the surgery but they were ok after I had it and told them.

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

I didn't tell them until I came back to work. I was out for 1 wk because I had a desk job.

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

Inova Fair Oaks is a great place to have your procedure. They have all the chairs, beds ect... They have an entire wing strictly for bariatrics

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

I was constipated. So they gave me an something to make me go (if you know what I mean)

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 numb. I was more affraid of not having the procedure

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

I couldn't eat more than a few bites for a meal. I couldn't drink quick enough keep up with the required proteins shakes. I was a little fustrated not being able to eat my favorite foods and my taste buds were starting to change.

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

15 miles.

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

The acid reflux was gone right after surgery. I was able to start walking with no pain.

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

B12, B50, Multi vitamin, Calcium, protein shakes

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 no side effects except learning to my portion control.

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

My tastebuds changed and I do not eat the things I loved the most. I am still learning what I like.

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

I moved three weeks after my surgery from VA to GA. I am planning on making a trip back up for follow up and I can email all my supportive services.

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

My scar is excellent and I get keloids

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am stating to plateau now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that I am the one that is different by what I do, wear and feel. I think that then opens me up to people more.