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

I heard about it through friends. I was scared at first but then I decided to go for it before it was too late and I became sicker.

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

I had no problem at all. I got approved in two days.

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

I was in the hospital for two days. The only thing I would bring is something for your lips. They are really dry after the operation. The hospital provides everything you need.

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

Not a one.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The day I got my date when my daughter and I were leaving the hospital I felt like I was going to faint. I just talked to alot of people that were very incourgeing.

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

Just take it easy and dont do too much. Listen to what the doctor tells you and stick with it. Get your walking in.

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

From where I live it was a five hour drive. I stayed at my daughters house for the first two weeks after surgery. She lives about 45 minutes from the hospital.

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 stayed with cream of wheat for breakfast, and broth for lunch and cottage cheese for dinner. I for some reason cant eat chicken anymore. I was o.k. with it at first but now I cant eat it. I am now three months out and just started eating vegetables this week.

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

I walked for fifteen minutes every night. Now three months out I can walk for miles it seems like. I dont even get winded.

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

I am taking a pre-natal vitamins and that it all.

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 havent had any yet.

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

Getting up to walk right after the operation. I was a little sore.

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

I live out in the woods and we have no group up here. I do have my friends though.

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

I have seven little ones. Not bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent had any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They are happy for me.