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

My physician. I didn't want it. I was afraid of the surgery.

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

Piece of cake, once I had all my paperwork, they approved me in two weeks. My advice is just hang in there and keep fighting.

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

I fell in love with her from the beginning. She was honest and straightforward. Make sure you ask questions and get answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My friends at work were totally behind me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was up to the 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 feared I wouldn't pull through, but just have faith in God and he will be there for you either way.

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?

Family was hesitant but very supportive, friends were very supportive. No. Still very supportive.

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

Very well, very helpful with everything. I told them that I was having the surgery, how long I would probaly be out and that was all, they said ok and were there for me all the way. I was only out 10 days.

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

It was great. I was awaken during the night for vitals and to walk other than that the people were the best. I was in for 2 nights and almost 3 days. Toiletries are the most important to bring, I would use their gowns.

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 was scared and excited. I just kept praying.

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

I was tired alot, and could hardly eat anything, that is normal.

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

7 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.

I can eat anything, nothing has bothered me. At first you are on soft foods, then solids. always chew, chew, chew.

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

At first very slow, now I have alot of energy.

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

I take a one-a-day vitamin. I need one with extra iron.

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 am coping with some hair loss now after 4 months, I find it hard to get in the protein. I am coping.

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

Not being able to eat or drink for 24 hours.

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

The hospital has a once a month support group that I try to attend. I feel it is very helpful.

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

My scars are small, I have 6 of them, and I actually expected them to be bigger.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I stayed at the same weight for 3 weeks, and it was very scary. But I have been losing since I just had to be patient.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.