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

I heard about in general, but was curious so looked up all I could on the internet.

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

I had little or no problem getting approved. My advice is to get as educated as possible so you know all the issues involved.

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

My surgeon, Dr John Morton was awesome and made me feel very comfortable. He was very sensitive to my struggle with the weight loss.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of not sleeping and feeling I couldn't walk 20 feet without being tired.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt the most permanent and fast acting was the best. I need success I could see and feel.

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 had some fears but felt whatever was going to happend would happen. Know that this is one of the best gifts you could give yourself. Many people might accuse you of being selfish, but it i a gift as if you are hugging yourself.

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?

I kept the surgery to myself except for my husband. I told family members after the fact because I didn't want to hear negative comments. I had a few after, but there was nothing they could do to sabotage me.

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

I only told the person who approved my absence. I was only off work for 2 weeks.

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

My stay was good, 3 days. I didn't need a thing. Music like a ipod would be good.

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

no complications whatsoever.

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 very tired the first several weeks. I really had no anxiety.

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

Trying to eat was tough. My spouse was wonderful and read all the information. He made jello and puddings for me. He was a great support.

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

I was only a couple of hours from where I lived, even thought they had the surgery closer, I chose to go to Stanford because of it being such a good hospital. I had the choice, so I choose it.

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 had had issues with meat from 4 weeks out, so I eliminated it until it was easier. I am now almost 4 years out and can almost eat anything.

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

It was slow going. I went back to the gym about 4 weeks after surgery. I still have the same problem getting motivated, but it is at least easier to work out when I get to the gym.

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

Biotin, vitamin D, multi. I have now added E, and calcium citrate.

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?

some vomiting from food getting stuck, some hair loss. after 1 year, most all symptoms were gone.

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

there was no bad part.

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

None, I wish there were more available.

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

I have hardly any marks from the surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I dropped to a very low weight, and then bounced back easily to acomfortable weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel people are instantly more friendly whichc wasn't true as a fat person.