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

I had a friend that was divorced and was going to have it done. She did it and looked much better. So I did research on it and followed her steps.

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

I had really only one problem. It was that my primary ins would not send the denial letter so that my other ins would take over.

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

It was great, he told me all I needed to know. Just ask any questions you may have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had already said that I wanted to do it before I got info. My mide was made up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked into gastric and the band. I didn't think the band would be best for me. to removable.

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 have had many surgerys and did not have to many fears. Just know you Sergan well and be sure you trust him or her.

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?

My family is the best. They knew I wanted this and it would make me feel better about myself.

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

I wasn't working. I am disabled.

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

I was there about 2 1/2 days. Not to bad. Just make sure you have things to keep you busy and to wh ear for all the walks.

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

No not at all. I felt great and was able to get right up and walk, no problem eating or moving around.

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 so ready to get it done and over. My ins played havic on me and fwe needed to reschedule 20 days later. That me go nuts and be upset. I wanted it done so bad.

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

I did real well. I just had to adjust to the new eating habbits I now had. I got over it and just new I was on my way to a new life style.

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

only about 45 minutes.

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.

really I have been just eating lots of protine and very little other foods up untill I hit 85% to goal. I have been ok with vegies, fruits and now I have added corn tortillias. I dont crave to many foods.

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

I was a bit slow on the start, but after the first month or so I started walking more and twirling with my kids.

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

I take 4 multi vits a day, 2 calcium, one iron, 50gm of Coq-10 two times and a b-12. Every other day I do B-1

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 didn't have any problems at all.

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

The fact that it took 1 1/2 years to get it done.

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

Well I went to a group, they were not following the book. I didn't think they were good help. I have just been on many online pages and on OH. I have a great family that helps me keep on track.

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

I have 5 little marks that are going away. I just used scar guard and I am good.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few that have lasted only about a week or two. I just started to exersize more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people look at me more.