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

I had friends do it. I thought it was the cowards way out

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

My insurance covered most of the cost I have 6,000 to cover so I have a payment plan and working with hospital. I cant complain things are ok and everthing will work out . I guess I anm more worried about getting fianced to cover the cometic surgery.

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

My surgeon is wonderful and was concerned about my family and there questions . was concerend that I knew everything and has been awonderful support.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health got so bad I almost lost my legs

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The band was to new and to worried about the problems and saw someone tht looked no different after 6 months . So I knew I needed a quicker way

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 would say first trust your doctor second put the fear asisde you will be healther and happier. You have abetter chance dieing crossing the street then from surgery

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?

at first they said no they were scared and concerned, but they went to famiy night asked questions went to doctor appoinments and read the class books we got so the information changed there mind and now They are so happy and proud of all the hard work I have done. It has help change there lives and to take bette care of them selves.

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

Very supportive. called me every week I was gone and made sure he kept up on my progress . Tells me daily how good I look and all my co employees are supportive and happy to see the great difference and to see the healthier me.

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

My stay was great . I was there two days The most important thng is a robe to walk the halls with .

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

None at all

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 fine I had no pain no problems but being constipated but I now have no problem with it and drink lots of water. I only get anouious when I hit a stand still in weight loss. but I joruanl and call my support group friends

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

I had no problems So I dont know if I can tell you . I could do anythignI wanted and the only thing I can think of was I couldnot sleep . But with increase of exercise I got around it and now have no problem

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

in same town less then 5 miles e

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 cant eat chicken unless it is cooked in a stew . it hurts sometimes. But other then that the spicyer the better and I stay on the diet very strict and dont go off it I eat protien and only and waiting to get to veg. I do eat catolpe and muskmellon grapes peepled and bananas and oranges slice but only suck the juice out. I really have had the things I love change and things like eggs I loved I cant stand and fish is my favorite.

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

first weeks I did what I was told but after two wek check up I was walking and doing most everthing but lifting.

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

I took my pre op vitiams cant do the powdered stuff

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?

hair loss and sleep the rest havent really had any problem with. I know when I over do theating and Thats the only time I have been sick in four months maybe 6 times

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

Being in the hopsital and having my kids worry

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

i attend the support group and my family is my biggest. I now have two email friends and they help a lot. but the suport grup is nothing but a bitch session.

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

I have very little scaring

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau in the laast four weeks . I had to get my meds and my exercise adjusted but now on track again and doing better

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes and it makes me mad people treat me like i exist now when I didnt then