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

I has a friend who had it done 20 some years ago and she lost alot of weight, but she did gain it back. I have been researching for awhile now and thought how wonderful people could use this tool now. I never thought it would be something I could do, due to finances, and insurance issues.

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

I had no dealings with it the doctors office did it all!

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

The first visit was great, he answered all my questions before I could ask them. But my advice is go ready with your questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I WANT TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE! I WANT TO RUN WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN! I WANT TO LIVE!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

From studying the different procedures, and from knowing people who had it.

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 honestly had no fears. I knew if I had not had the surgery I was going to die anyway. And I told my family ahead of time that no matter what happened I was satisfied with my decision.

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 was pleased and thankful that I had the chance to have the surgery. They were very supportive. They were the greatest, especially my sister in law and my oldest daughter. I dont know what I would have done without them.

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 long I was in for 13 days due to complications. But the staff were wonderful. Honestly I didnt need anything but a bathrobe and slippers.

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

I had 2 leaks and had a second surgery 2 days later. Honestly I guess I slept through it cause I dont remember much about the first week of my hospital stay.

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 got stronger and stronger everyday. As for the anxiety, I have to admit I started smoking again.

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

I would have to say the first couple of weeks were pretty rough. I think the biggest problem was the head hunger. I always used food to cope with lifes problems and after the surgery that was not an option. It has most definetly gotten better.

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

Less then a mile.

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.

In the beginning I felt like I couldnt eat anything. As time has gone on I am eating more and more the only thing I have a problem with is bread products.

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

My activity level in the beginning was nile, it took me 6 weeks before I started doing anything. I started by walking and am up to 4 miles a day.

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

I take 3 tums a day. 2 multi vitamins.

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?

My biggest issue has been hair loss. It started about 4 months and I thought I was surly going to be bald. It has slowed down but my hair is very thin.

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

I can honestly say the worst part was the head hunger.

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

We have a local support group that meets once a month. Also others who have had the surgery have been a great help. I think support from others who have had the surgery is the best and very much needed.

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

My scar is from the middle of my breast to below my naval but I had hernia repair also. I am very pleased with my incision. It has healed nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think I am at a plateau now. I have been swimming every other day, but I am starting to walk, so I am hoping that helps, but I feel as thought my weight lose so far has been terrific so I am not so worried at this point.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone just gasp and says look at you, but honestly I havent noticed them treating me any different.