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

I found out about the surgery a long time ago. My mothers best friend had it done way back in the late 70's or early 80's. At that point I remember thinking I wish I could get it done even though I was very young at that point I had already dealt with kids being cruel to me because of my weight. Being overweight made me grow up fast.

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

I haven't had to deal with medicaid yet .

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

01/16/01 Met my surgeon today. Seems to be a very caring Dr. Didn't ask alot of questions due to the fact I have studied up on this for awhile now, But he made it clear if I did think of something in the future to just call and ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health in the past year or so has gone from poor to worse it seems like since I hit 30 everything went down hill. I have swollen feet,sore back, high blood pressure etc....I need this surgery so I can live a more productive life and stop living like I'm already dead.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Haven't decided which road to take as of yet but I will just go with whatever the Dr. feels is the best surgery

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 read a very sad story about a woman who had major complications from her surgery kinda scared me for a day or so. But then I realized I'm already living like I'm dead or I would die at an early age if I continue down the same path I've been going down since childhood. So if your having seconds thoughts think about how your living your life right now I think you'd still want to at least give the surgery a shot it just might be your last hope As I feel it is mine.

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?

So far I have shared with very little people but as my surgery date comes closer I will let them know as well.

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

My stay was fine i was in for 6 days and i would say you don't really need alot because they have everything there for you..the only thing i really brought was a change of clothes to go home in

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

not that i'm aware of

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 nervous i felt like i had to take care of loose ends just in case i didn't make it..

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

I was very tired and weak and I hated it but as time went on it got easier

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

2 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.

Well i'm 9months post op now so i can't remember alot..I remember after i got off the liquid diet i ate cheese and crackers and that was my main diet for awhile, then i got brave and bought some beef jerky and i was happy that it stayed down..But Bread was off limits for a long time sometimes it would get stuck and other times i would be fine so i finally got tired of the guessing game with that and gave up till about month 4..I still can't eat hamburger meat in any form i try but it always makes me sick to my stomach..But i can eat pretty much whatever i want now..

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

very little i tried walking and did do some nightly but i was exhausted till about month 2 or so

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

I take Vita4Life

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?

Lots and Lots of Vomiting till about month 6. and yes i've lost hair my hair is pretty thin but no bald spots thank god. no dumping as of yet

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

being tired

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

I've been to the Wls group meeting and i just started back in thepary after 1 year post op i feel i need it now more then ever

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

my scar is getting really light in color now at 9 months, At one year now my scar is still light and its not a big deal for me I had Lap so its not hugh looking

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a few that have lasted a couple months very frustrating when it happened this last time i upped my exercise and i lost 11pounds in 2 weeks

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes i get spoken to alot more then i use too guys act stupid in front of me it feels weird, people open the doors for me, I wish the general public would accept us heavy or small it makes me sick inside to think just because i'm smaller now the world might accept me..