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

I first found out about it from 3 friends and a sibling who had it done.

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

After I found out what my BMI had to be, getting surgery became a breeze.

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

Dr. Kole was very knowledgeable and professional.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It had to be the right timing. Also, I was tired of being obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked into what my sister had done. I did not want to experience dumping and iron deficient, so I opted not to get Roux n y, but the vertical sleeve instead.

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 fears of not coming out of the operating room. For those who have fears, it is ok to have them, but remember, everything will be just fine.

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 very supportive. My co-workers were also for the procedure. Some of my friends expressed their disapproval. My friends now understand that I had to do this for myself.

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 very supportive. I had the surgery over the Christmas break and was able to rest and relax for 2 weeks.

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

The staff at St. John's Oakland was very attentive to my needs. I spent 2 nights and 3 days there. The most important things to bring are comfy slippers, toothbrush and paste, reading materials, and your cell phone.

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

NONE!

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 excited, yet nervous.

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

When coming home, it is hard to sleep in a bed. The couch is your best friend. You cannot drive for a while and have lots of movies to watch. Also, remember to walk around the house to avoid blood clots.

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

I traveled 28 miles, which is a half hour ride.

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 am 2 weeks out and have graduated to pureed foods. Carbs and red meat are off limits .

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

I started walking the treadmill a week and a half out of surgery.

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

I take 2 iron pills and 2 Flinstone chewable vitamins.

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?

So far the only side effect that I had was the nausea.

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

The worst part is the horrible feeling of nausea and pain after surgery.

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

St. John's has a once a month support group for bariatric patients. This is a great way to talk with other members and to see what I can look forward to.

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

There are 5 scars which are a half inch long. I expected worse, but am thrilled with small scars.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have had many compliments on how my face has thinned out.