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

I first saw bariatric surgery on television. I was very excited about it and than i went to a seminar and got scared. Not just the seminar but also what friends and family had to say about the surgery.

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 problem getting approval.

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

I WAS A LITTLE NERVEOUS WHEN I GOT THERE, BUT ONCE I STATRED TALKING TO THE DOCTOR I FELT BETTER. TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEETING HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS WROTE DOWN BEFORE YOU GET THERE SO YOU WON'T FORGET.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

TALKING TO PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET AND ALSO SEARCHING THE INTERNET AND LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURGERIES.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well this is the only proceedure my doctor offer. Plus it sound like the one with the best results.

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 am having a lot of fears about dying, but I am going to pray and pray and put it and God's hands.

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 mother was surpported more than I thought she would be, so I am happy about that. My friend is a little negative and at times I wish I did not tell her but that is her way.

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

I did not tell my employer.

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 ok, everybody was nice the staff did everything they could to make my stay pleasant. I was drozy the first two days but the third day i was and a lot of pain with GAS i was ready to let them undo this surgery LOL, I was in hospital for five days. The hospital provided everything that i needed, toothpaste in brush, deodrant, slippers, gowns, chapstick, shampoo, lotion, I mean everything I brought those things but i never had to take it out of my suitcase.

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

I had no complications from surgery.

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 scared and i prayed a lot.

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

I got a lot of rest the first week because of lack of rest in hosipital.I was very sore the first couple of weeks and it was hard to get a good sleeping position, but with my hospital bed that my insurance paid for and my pain medicine I did it. I had a lot of gas, that just rolled around in my stomack and was very painful at times. I walk around the house a couple of time and that help ease the pain. I was not hungry at all. I could only eat a couple of spoonful and was full. And I am talking about liquids. ( chicken broth, jello, popsicle.) It was hard getting my water in too because of the full feeling.

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

i had to drive a hour and a half.

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 could not tolorate milk, cheese, or any dairy products I would get gas and diarrhea real bad. But I am 3 months out now and it is getting better. I cannot eat over 2g of sugar and 11g of fat without getting sick. When I first tried rice it was nasty it tasted like fat made me sick. But now I can eat it just fine.

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

I could walk around the house a couple of times the first couple of weeks.After my six week checkup I started walking at the YMCA around the track for one hour a day. Seven weeks out I started walking on the threadmill for two mile and under a hour. Eight weeks out I can walk two mile and forty minutes. ( its true I have so much energy now, I actully started feeling better when I started to really exercise) Do'nt get me worng I have to make myself go I have not got to the point where I like it I do it because I know It will help me get to my goal weight. I remember the first time I walk around the track I had to go to the bathroom and let out so much gas that was biuldup I could feel the pressure coming off my chest. So please walk. Each day gets better and better.

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

The only vitamins I take is my Bugs Bunny surgar free vitamins. I am going to start taking Viactiv for Calcium. And I take Liquid Protein two times a day to help get my protein.

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 have had no side effects so far and I am 6 months out now!!!

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

GAS GAS GAS

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

I go to a support group twice a month and it is very important to me. I schedule my time around them. I also talk to people on line that has had the surgery also. My support group is very helpful to me , because I can talk to people that is or has gone through the same things that I am going through.

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

My scar is not that bad. It is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was on a plateau for almost 2 months!! It started when I was 4 months out and my weight loss started back when I was 1 week form 6 months out. I know it will not be my last, but it did drive me crazy.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes Yes and Yes, People have started looking at me in the face now when they talk to me. And men have started to make passes at me.