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

I was very interested in it.

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

It told 11/2 years. My first insurance BC/bs stated they would not precert WLS surgery. So I had to change insurance. But other people got precerted without any trouble with BC/BS federal. first health made me do every clearance out there before they precert me for surgery.

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

I stayed overnight

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?

Finally I am able to get the surgery. I have alot of health problems that will go away with WLS.

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

Just learning to deal with your food issues. I did not miss the food. I was not hungry for the first time in my life. I can control what I eat.

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

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.

liquid diet for 3 weeks he puree for 2 weeks. Then soft foods. 6 weeks no sugar. highfat foods

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

My activity level was good all along. at 8 weeks I am alittle tried

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

I am on multivatimins with iron, calcium, B complex, prevcid, stool softner

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

There is a support group at the hospital.

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

I have 6 holes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

at 8 week I have hit a plateau

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

people really notice that I am losing weight