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

I heard about it many times but never thought I would be able to have it. My mother took the steps and I followed her. my initial impression og bariatric surgery was scary but after watching my mother and talking with the doctors I knew that I could take the chance on something wonderful happening to me or keep living a unhealth life.

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

My first visit with Dr. Kam was awesome he is a wonder surgeon that cares deeply he was very personal and informative. I was very comfortable around him and able to say what was on my mind.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have surgery after I found out that I didn't know who I was any longer.

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 and friends where very supportive. I had a few people that had negative things to say but I know that they where just not as inform about the surgery as I was.

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

My employer was somewhat supportive they wanted me to what awhile before going out on leave but I let them know that I would be back to work as fast as I could and they where ok with that since I went back to work 2 weeks after my surgery

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

My stay in the hospital was wonderful everyone treated me great I was never in any pain. I was in the hospital for three days I spend alot of time walking the halls its very important to walk walk walk :0)....Its important to take slippers and a robe I forgot my but my parents where wonderful and stopped at the store and bought me one before coming up to vistit me. Since my mom had the surgery she knew I would need this stuff and I didn't. The robe comes in handy so you don't get the back door breeze when walking the hall :)

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

I had no complications

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

When I got home I was tired the first day but my parents keep getting me up to walk...They where by my side for the first week because my husband works second shift and I have two kids at home to take care of. I actually felt great I had energy which was weird since I lived on coffee for my energy. For the most part I had no problems.

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

I live two and 1/2 hours away from where I had my surgery. I don't mind the drive where I went they are all worth it the staff and my Doc I would do it a million times over

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.

When I got home I was on liquids for three weeks. Two weeks of pureed foods and one week of soft.

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

I walk alot all the time it makes me feel good I never walked till I had my surgery its very enjoyable and my youngest son enjoys our walks.

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

I take a kids complete vitamin daily along with Pro-stat

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 get a little nausea after drinking something cold it is gone after about 5 mins. I have not had any vomiting.

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

I really can't name anything everything has went well. I would like to thank God for that :0)

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

My parents are my support my mother had her surgery 13 weeks before myself and she and my father have been wonderful they call me everyday they stay on me to walk. I think its important to have people that have went thru the sugery to help you along the way.

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

My scar's are very small I have six small cuts I don't mind them its better then being unhealthy and over weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I noticed that my kids are treating me different they said its because I not so grummpy anymore.