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

My sister-in-law had it done and that won me over. She did so well I wanted to do it too!

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 problem with Champ VA but was a litlle concerned about the Medicare. But, my doctor said there was no problem.

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

My first visit was great. Dr Syn explained everything to me and my husband. He told me exactly what he expected of me and if I wasn't going to go through with his program he wouldn't do the surgery. He is wonderful I think.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready for a life change . I have 7 grndkids I want to see grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through the help 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 really didn't have any fears. I did a lot of research on this before hand and I knew all the risk. I know I might have died in surgery or afterwards but this was going to change my life forever so I felt relief only not fear.My only thing to tell people is to do their research on the doctor make sure you have a good one and feel comfortable about him or her before you decide.

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 was real concerned. They would tell me I didn't need this done and I would say yes I do and I am doing it for me not you. It was my decision not theirs. I would not of done anything differently at all.

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

I don't work.

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

I had two days in the hospital. The nurses were great . They helped me out a lot and made me do exactly what the doctor ordered. I just took a small bag with tooth brus, lotion and mouth wash. Your mouth gets very dry while you are there. I also took a gown but never wore it just kept the hospital thing on.

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

I had none inthe hospital

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 havent really felt any anxietties as yet. I have gotten used to all I have to do. I only had a little drainage and my doctor quickly took care of that problem.

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

Rest WAlk Restand walk. Drinks plenty of fluids, youget very dry mouthed if you don't

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

not far it was in my hometown

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.

The first week I ate nothing but baby food, and drank water . Had some sugar fee jellos ,

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

I had to make myself walk and I still do. But, I'm up and about doing everything except lifting . I can't do that yet. three weeks post op

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

flinstones chewables. b12 liquid form,

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 havent had any side effects as yet

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

For me to remember I can't do as much now until I heal up inside. I want to do a certain thing and then I remember I had surgery Nope can't do that yet, must wait.

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

We have a support group in town and they meet once a month. I havent gone yet but am anxious to go to my first post op meeting

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

It is about 4 inches long ,yes it is exactly what my doctor told me it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just thought I would have lost more by now but everyone is different they say .

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not really. Not that many people know I had the surgery