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

My cousin had this done in 2003. She had problems and passed away, but it was not the surgeries fault. She would be happy for me!

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

Well, I had no problems.

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

Great! He was very helpful.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I took the advice of my Doctor.

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 never thought about it. I knew the problems that could arise but I put my faith in God that everything would be okay and it was.

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 were all very supportive. I would not have done anything different.

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

N/a

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

I never went to a seminar

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

Not bad. 3 days I think. Something to keep you occupied. I had my Nintendo DS.

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?

my husband was very supportive as were my other doctors. I was weak but very determined to do this.

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

Expect some depression that is normal. But don't let it overtake you.

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

about 30 miles..no effect

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.

Well, my diet was pretty much very little at all. But over time I have been able to add foods in small amounts that I still enjoy. I find it better to eat a bite of something I am craving and then it is over. Some foods still give me problems but I call them my maintance foods. If I am having problems with constipation I eat them and problem solved.

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

I tried to do all I could without giving out. Now I am able to go to the grocery store without my wheelchair.

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

I take Calcium with Vitamin D and a multivitamin.

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 had very little side effects. Some occassional nausea, vomiting, no hair loss. I still have occassional dumping, but I can deal with it.

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

The test the morning after the surgery!!

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

None

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

They are minimal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit plateaus but they pass after a week or so.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, I mean my friends are all amazed when they see how much I have lost.