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

A girl I went to school with I seen her and we talked about it and I started looking into it and I was ready to try it I knew I had to be around to raise my kids and have fun with them.

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

My Ins. was no problem for me at all. I have to say if it is meant to be let it be if not it will work out when God wants it to.

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

I meet Dr. Nease at the group meeting and he was very informational good and bad and I like that about him.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After the meeting I was ready I had thought and prayed and if it is your will God let it be and 2 months later I had surgery and have been good every since.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had over 100 lbs to lose and this was best for me.

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 thought I was dying slowly being so fat so if Jan. 16 2006 was my day than that was going to be the end of my dash in life. I really had no fears or any thing with the thought of good or bad.

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 told my parents and they was excited about it with me. But my parents support me all the way in my life I am very glad to have them for my parents. My husband at the time did not support me at all. My kids I talked to them and explained that I was unhappy and needed help and they were ok with it and that helped me.

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

I am self employed and I didn't work for 2 and 1/2 weeks and I went back full force I was careful to not lift any thing.

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

My stay was good I was there 2 days. Someone to stay with you and help cause the nurses cant be the all the time my very best friend stayed with me and I am so greatful to her.

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

I did have a infection in my belly button but I spend 3 more days in the hospital but it was for the strong antibatic they had to give me.

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 did real well I think I didn't want food so I was so afaid of it

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

Just take it easy and do what you are suppost to do it makes it so much easier I was not sick or any thing I have some friends that wanted to eat and they were so sick The books and information is giving to you cause of some one some where has did it so dont try it

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

It was only about 30 miles from home

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 am lactose intoerant now I didnt really like milk before but I think I would love to eat a bowl of cereal.

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

I work all the time so I hit the floor running (slow but I was running)lol

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

I have found that One source womens vitamins work great for me and have worked really good

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 lost a lot of hair but it was just me noticing it but I guess you have to chose to be fat and have all the hair or lose hair and weight and feel so good.

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

having to wear the little bag that lets the drs now if you old stomach is bleeding drove me crazy for a week.

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

They have a meeting once a month and it is very helpful I am very glad that it is there.

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

My scars are very little and nothing to worry with

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued at 3 months for about 3 weeks and it is scary but it lets the skin srink so it is a good thing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes the looks are better even thought I still feel that I am 326 and not 210 but that is just the way people are.