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

I have seen the commercials numerous times and then starting researching it and talking with people who have had it done. My first impression was I would never do that but the more I read and the more I learned I knew this would be right for me.

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

I didn't really have any problems with the insurance company. The weight loss center pretty much new who approves fast and who needs more info. Make sure you call your insurance to find out what needs to be done before submitting you claim.

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

The first meeting was very informational. The doctor and his staff made me informed of every thing that happens before and after surgery and even those scary points that could happen. He was very honest with me. Write questions down you want to ask ahead of time so when you go in you remember everything you want to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Talking with so many people who have already had it done and what a success they are, wanting to be healthy, and wanting to be around for years to come with my family healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Talked with my doctors and insurance company on what they would approve.

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 had the some fears of everyone like leaving my son and husband alone, being really sick even after the surgery was done. Having fears and even 2nd thoughts are normal, I think if you didn't have them something is wrong because everyone thinks of the what IF's. Just be strong and put your trust in GOD.

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?

I didn't tell to many people before the surgery because I didn't want to hear the negative. It seems there could be 400 surgerys and 1 person didn't make it for reasons unknown and that is all they want to tell you. Not how 399 people did wonderful and they are now leading healthy lives. My parents and brother were not to kean on me having this surgery but they supported me. My husband and son were great on supporting me and not telling anyone (at least as far as I know). Now everyone I know pretty much knows and I tell everyone now that it is over with. What can they say after it is done and over with.

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

Not Working at the time so never had to deal with my employer

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

Well my hospital stay was great for a hospital I guess. I was there almost 4 days. I feel the most important things to me were my own pillow, undies, tissues, pads (seems all women start there period if they still have one) wet ones, and most important your own toothbrush. My hospital took care of everything else.

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

No complications to speak of. Thank God

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 feel great and when they say every day that goes by you feel better and better is right. Of course at first you think on that first day especially what did I do to myself but I was up and around in no time. Nurses were amazed on just how well I did do.

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

Well I have only been home a week in a half and being at home is so much better then in the hospital. The first night in your own bed is awesome. The only thing I have trouble with is that I cannot clean my own house. I move around alot and do the easy stuff but I have to wait on someone to run my sweeper and bring my clothes up and down stairs.

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

5 miles........I was so lucky that I had a great surgeon and hospital so close to me, so the aftercare did not effect me at all.

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.

Will have to revise later....Still to early in my surgery to explain

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

I felt really good after my surgery so my activity level was really good I thought. The first couple of days when I got home it was a chore just to take a shower. I couldn't believe how tired I was just from doing that but it got better every day.

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

calcuim and flinstone chewable vitiamins w/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?

No problems to speak of

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

only being allowed 1 ounce of ice chips every 2 hours in the hospital after surgery. I was so thirsty and I never let my ice go by unless of course I was asleep. I waited for those 2 hours to go by.

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

The scar is not to bad. I truely expected it to be alot worse then what it is.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well it is only 2 weeks since my surgery and I feel I should be losing alot more then what I have but I go see my doctor tomorrow to find out how I really am doing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO not really, they just feel bad everytime they talk about food, which it seems that is always the subject of conversation.