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

both of my sisters has gastric bypass, and they both have been very sucessful.

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

I just had my paper work sent to insurance on february 12 2009, now I am 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 nice, he explained every thing. Make sure to write a list of questions to take

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health problems

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched all the procedures and decided from there.

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?

They are all very supportive

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

I was out of work for two weeks. My boss has been very supportive and yet very discreet with keeping it to himself. very appreciative for this

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

I had surgery Monday morning and got out on Wednesdays. Every one there was very nice, they all were very patient with me and listened to me when I had concerns. I brought my own pjamas and slippers. which was wonderful, I did not have a drainage tube.

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

Had no complications

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 so excited, but I had to deal with the pre- op diet so that kept me occupied

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

I tried to rest, but I felt good so I cooked for my husband and did things like that.

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

100 miles

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.

I have had no problems with any thing with the exception of coleslaw, and beef.

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

I walked alot, but after my first Dr visit I started at the Gym.

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

Bariatric Vitamins Protien powder

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 been out for a year now and I am still losing my hair a lot. I have been taking bioten for hair and nails

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

Insurance

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

support group where I live

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

Very small and have faded nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am one year out now and I havent lost any pound for at least two two in a half months now

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitly I get treated with more respect. My opinion seems to matter