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

My very first time I heard of it was years ago. I called the 1-800 # that was adertised and was disappointed to find that I was not fat enough at that time to get some help, I was 12 or 13 at that time and only 70 pounds overweight. I have been on a constant diet my whole life and I do good for a while then I fail.

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

My Ins approval was very easy. i had co morb's and I had Aetna. Nough Said

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

I was not as prepared as I thought I was did not bring a list of questions. Should have. My sergeon was great he is a very kind and gentle man. I love him dearly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready to die that scared me. I had aways thought that I did not want to live but never actually wanted to die. when I got to this point I was ready for anything to give me my life back. I have ti now and I love it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research. I feel I need the dumping to help with my behavior.

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 was ready to die. Part of me wanted to die on the table so I would not have the chance to fail again. If I wear on the other side and talking to me at this point I would just say ok it is time to see the facts you are a success waiting to happen!!!!!

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?

Most of my friends and family were very happy with my decision to take control of my life. For those that were not I feel for them as I am now a better person for all I have gone through, would not change a thing

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

My Boss always was telling me I was making a bad chioce, but I made the choice that was best for me. I told her i was having WLS, many people at my work have had it. I was out of work for 13 weeks 4 weeks prior to surgery and the rest after

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

My stay was actually quite nice the nursing staff was so supportive of me and expressed how glad they were to see that I was self motivated.

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

I had a swollen stoma....Put back in the hospital for an additional 5 days, put back on liquids and then I was ok. Paniculitis....A painful infection in the fat tissues....many weeks of several antibiotics

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 so stressed that I was not losing could not see it. I walked and read books even did some sewing and crosstich

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

Not too bad, hard to watch your family eat and feel like you cannot have any I would walk while they ate. Very emotional time, May have regrets during this period, but make a book of things that you are doing this for and everytime you feel like what did I do to myself look at that book with the goals that you want to accomplish

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

I went close to 400 miles, I recieved my aftercare from my wonderful Primary Dr who has worked closely with my surgeon

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.

At first I could not eat anything but cottage cheese nothing else tasted right then I started eating nuts and then meats finally started on vegies. Now at 8 months out I eat an occasion hershey's dark chocolate kiss, but I can still not handle bread products.

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

My activity levels were slow at first with my infection but once that cleared I have been unstoppable....as long as I take my B12 shots every 3 weeks. Good trade off

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

I take my 4 flintstones vit's per day and I take b12 every 3 weeks

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?

Nothing was worse after surgery I woke up a new and better Me

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

The fact I was so far from home and not having anyone in my direct community to share my experience with

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Platues...they happen when you are on one just remember that the body is shrinking at this time to catch up with the weight loss. Platue's are a good thing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Every one treats me differnt I am so noticed now, the one thing i get mad at myself for is now and then I get mad now if I do not get that "Oh my god you don't even look like you anymore" or "I only knew it was you because of your voice."