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

i've read many articles about the weight loss surgerys. also i educated myself on the internet. the dr. best explained all that i read and made the surgery make sense.

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

my insurance will not cover the surgery.

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

the saty in the hospital was great. the staff was over freindly. i spent one night. slippers and a robe.

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 very nervous. to cope i just kept reading about the surgery and talked it over with my husband.

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

the 1st 3-5 days were hard getting up and down. walking was easy. i slept a lot

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.

i just started eating my protein instead of drinking it. i have been able to eat small amounts of anything that i want. the key is small amounts so you do not get sick.

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

walking was ok, but that was it. 1 week and half later i was able to do leg lifts and arm resistance in the pool.

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

i started with centrium chewables. i hated the taste so i change to the gummie fleinstones.

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 had nausea one time. once i got sick it went away.

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

the first few days i had pain getting up and down.

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

my sister and husband took very good care of me

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

the scars are very small and healed very well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

n/a

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

n/a; i'm only 2 full weeks after surgery