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

On t.v.

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

Listen to what your health care providers tell you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt like I was always hungry and thought this would help that and it did.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt that the VBG was less invasive as the Rouxn Y. You aren't changing your body as much.

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 really didn't have any fears. I was well prepared and informed. My family was more scared than I.

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 didn't want me to do it My dad still isn't thrilled that I did it but they were there for me. Everyone at work keeps asking how I am losing the weight but I won't tell them.

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

I didn't discuss it with them I just filled out a medical leave form and took the time off.

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

It wasn't that bad. Bring your shoes or good slippers so you can walk. I was ther for 3 days.

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 uncomfortable but it will pass and you will reap the benefits

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

have someone there to help with big stuff. Rest don't push yourself you will heal with time.

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

10-15 miles

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 felt very deprived I could only eat 1 or 2 bites. Now I can eat like half of a McSalad shaker and am satisfied. I can eat most meats accept pork and any kind of steak, but I mostly eat chicken

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

The Pain and shock whe I woke up in recovery.

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

They offer a support group but I work so late that I can't go. i didn't need one at first but after significant loss I need some to talk to. I have hit a long plateau.

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

My scar isn't that bad. I wouldn't wear a bikini or anything. The part closer to my navel healed better than the top. the top kind of spread open while it was healing. the bottom didn't.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 6 mo I stopped for entire month then right I went in for my checkup I had dropped from 226 to 215 then nxt month I lost 5lbs now it is 1mo. later and fluctuating between 215 & 210. I am getting worried.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I get so much more attention. Alot more men hitting on me. To bad I am getting married in 2 mo.