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

My friend and her Mom had bypass 10 years ago. I was so against it.

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

I didn't have any problem. I went for all my tests and then they approved me. (I was lucky)

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

Ask every question you can think of. I had my husband come and ask the questions he had too.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health and my family

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Personaly I don't like the idea of bypass. If there are any problems you basicly need to live with them. With the band if you have problems they can remove it. Also the band can be adjusted throughout the time you have it. If you need a fill or need to have some taken out.

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 thought was I will deal with it if it happens. I never thought I would die during. I was more upset that people would say it to me.

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 didn't tell anyone (except my husband) about the surgery because I didn't want to hear are you crazy, why don't you just change the way you eat. I know how to lose weight, I don't know how to keep it off. After my surgery all my family and friend were very helpful and 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 fine with it and told me anything I needed to do I could have the time off. I had my surgery on Friday and was back to work on Wednesday. I should have taken a full week and went back that following Monday.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was alot of information to take in. I brought a friend with me who had the lapband surgery. She was able to answer some of my questions. I also wrote questions down for my surgeon. I went to the meeting in May of 2010 and didn't make my decision until Sept 2010. Had surgery in Jna 2011

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

My stay was fine the nurses were great. I was there overnight. Bring whatever will pass the time for you. I don't sleep much after anysticia (?)

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

I 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 excited and scared. I kept telling myself it will be the first day of my new life. That made me happy and somewhat relaxed about it.

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

I had no problems with the surgery. I had a bit of a problem with the smells of food cooking. I wanted to eat.(once I was feeling better) Keep to your liquids its only for a short time.

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

it was only a few towns over I think it was maybe 20 monutes.

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.

In the first 2 weeks its only liquid then onto mushy food, Its surprising how much you will love to eat applesauce and babyfood. Then just remember to eat slow and snall bites.

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

I went back to my normal activity except the gym, Thats not until 6 weeks out. My surgeon said if it hurts don't do it. Oh yea don't lift anything over 20 pounds until the Dr. says.

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

I take calcium daily and I need to start taking a multi vit. (all chewable)

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 no side effects.. :)

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

waiting, and the barium swallow the day after surgery.

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

Not at all. There are 5 sites and one of them is is about 3 inches long. I thought they were all going to be about and inch each. They also glued them instead of stiches or steri strips.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yea, ever time I eat something they say are you shore you can eat that. Do you think thats the best decision?