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

I had a couple of friends who had it done first. Seeing their success only made me want it more.

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

I called once a week to my insurance company until they sent my approval letter to my doctor.

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

my first visit was a mandatory seminar. It was very helpful.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that I wanted to have the surgery after seeing the success of friends who had it done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that the recovery time for the Laproscopic procedure was better. Plus the scarring is not bad at all.

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 did not fear this at all. It may sound gruesome, but I knew if I died, I was ready to go. I don't have children yet, so I wouldn't be leaving my babies without a mother. Also I told my family that I loved them and that if something did happen I would be fine... that to be absent from this world, I would be present with my Heavenly Father.

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/are all very supportive.

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 3 days, 2 nights. The staff there was great. My recovery was splendid. I was thankful that my mom was able to stay with me during my entire stay. It was helpful having her there.

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

no

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 tried not to think about it to much. I did get 'all my ducks in a row' before surgery....making sure I spoke to everyone. And I prayed...ALOT!

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

I was surprised at how well I felt. The only thing uncomfortable was the drain that I came home with. Make sure to ask your doctor what kind of drain is used(if any). You want the PENROSE drain...it is not painful AT ALL when it is removed (which is 7 days after surgery...along with the staples if your surgery is laproscopic) Also, plan to take a couple or 3 weeks off from work after surgery. I would feel great of the morning, but by mid afternoon, I had to nap....this lasted for about 2 weeks post-op.

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

2 hours.

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.

First week post-op was clear liquids only. Second week post-op I was able to add sugar free carnation instant breakfast, sugar free yogurt. Third week, cream of soups, cottage cheese. Fourth week, deli sliced chicken and turkey, tuna, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes. Just remember...SUGAR FREE!!! Crystal Light is a must in my house now. Gatorade makes PROPEL fitness water that is wonderful! Also...REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR B-12!!!!

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

I rested quite abit for a few days after surgery. I did walk around the house. After the drain and staples came out, I was ready for almost everything.

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

B-12, B-12, B-12....don't forget to take your B-12!!!! Also a good liquid multi-vitamin (Centrum makes one--you can buy it at Wal-Mart for about $8.00) Liquid protein and calcium citrate

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?

No side effects.

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

Not being able to eat popcorn and drink diet pepsi anymore!!!

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

Ufortunately, i do not have a local support group... I call on my friends who have had the surgery for any questions that may come up.

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

I have 6 small scars. 5 are from the surgery and one is from the drain. They are starting to fade. I use wal-mart's Equate version of Mederma.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I will go 3 or 4 days with no weight loss and then will seem to lose 3 to 5 pounds overnight!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not really. I have wonderful friends and family who love me anyways....despite my size... Anyone else's opinion of my weight just never mattered to me.