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

I found out about it though my insurance. Scary but ready to try something drastic.

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

Even though it was the insurance that told me about the surgery, it took 4 months to get OK. If this is really what you want then I say stick with it and keep at your insurance.

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

I was scared when I went to meet the doctor. He put me at ease by describing the operation and letting me ask any questions I had. Ask the doctor anything you want to know no matter if you think it might sound stupid.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being fat

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?

Being at 480 pounds I know my life span wouldn't be long. I had to do something are I would eventually die anyway. I chose to live what life I have on this earth happy.

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?

They were concerned but knew I had to do something if I wanted to live a longer life. I also can't stress enough of the importance of having support.

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

My boss was very supportive and my co-workers. I have 2 of them that want to get it done now that they have seen my results. I was out of work for 8 weeks.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days. I thought everyone there was nice. They even have 2 nurses that take care of you that have had the surgery.

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

The morphine made me sick and weak.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

When I found out the surgery was ok. I had to wait 2 months till my surgery date. I was so ready for my life to change that I just had a hard time waiting.

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

Take it slow. Don't try to do too much at first.

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

Not too far. About 20 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 wasn't able to eat much of anything the first 2 months that agreed with me. Even anything but water bothered me. I'm at 6 months now and doing great.

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

Not much at first, but as time went on and the more weight I lost I got more energy.

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

b-12 iron

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?

The worst for me was having nausia 24 hours a day for 2 months. I;m told that doesn't happen to everyone. Coping wasn't easy but I knew in the long run it would be to my advantage.

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

Being in the hospital. I always like home better.

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

Only half my scar healed really well. The other half is bright red.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I think they do. Before I was always the biggest person in a room now I'm not. I dress better and have more confidence so I guess that helps.