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

I found out about it from my son & daughter-in-law who had lap band done. I was skeptical at first but after seeing their success I was 100% convinced.

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 problems with getting approval. My ins. just started covering it about a yr. ago.

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 a little over 24 hrs. My care was good & I only brought the necessities like, toothbrush & toothpaste, mouth wash, deodrant & lotion. No sense in taking more than you need & having to take it back home. Your IPOD or a good book will help too.

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

No, it was great ( as great as a surgery can be.)

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 only anxiety I had was just the aspect of having surgery itself, otherwise I was excited to begin my journey.

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

I felt good and got a little bored not being able to do what I wanted but that doesn't last long.

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

I had my surgery locally .

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.

Clean liquids are a must for a couple of weeks before & after surgery and then you progress each week or so until you are on regular food again. Very fibrous foods are still off limits for me and you will discover fodd that you can't tolerate by trial & error.

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

Very good.

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

I take a multi vitamin everyday and B12 once a week. I also have protein shakes 2 to 3 times a day.

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?

Nausea was bad for me but only because I wasn't consuming enough fluids everyday. Once I got that straightened out I have been fine.

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

Just having to have surgery.

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

Aftercare is very important. You should keep all drs. appts. Support is also important from a group or family or spouse.

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

I have 5 small incisions and it is exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only 5 weeks post op so I am still losing quickly. No plateau's yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet. Except they tell me how geat I'm looking.