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

From a friend and the internet

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

I was approved after 1st letter. Call the insurance and keep check and make sure everything gets to them.

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

He told me like it was and how it would be. He also has had this surgery and 2 on his nurses. He let it be my decision

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Because I had to go buy bigger jeans and I thought and read about it for a long time

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let it be Dr. Rothwell's decision. I trusted he need what I needed. I was his smallest patient to do this on.

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 did not want to think in those terms. I was like if it is my time I will go and if not God will watch after to me. God has watched after to me.

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 husband was dead against and is still afraid for me even now after the surgery. My 3 sisters and friends could not believe I would consider doing this to my body. They wanted me to do it on my own.

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

They told me I would not qualify. They said I was not big enought because I am not a 100 pounds overweight.

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

Icu first night was a very noicy place got no sleep could here nurses laughing and cutting up all night long. I went in on Tues. and came out on Thurs. sippers, tooth paste, tooth brush comb

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

none just hurt a good bit

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 started back on my anti. celexa

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

My first week is now. I am fine. Can't do a whole lot yet.But am able to do for myself

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

52 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.

1st week unsweeted jell-o, broth, water, unsweeted popsicles

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

was ecxpected to walk and ex. about 20 to 30 min. a day

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

b12, fit.stone kids vit,cal

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?

Not sleeping all night wake every 2 hrs

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

The pain

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

Dr. Rorhwell has a support group meetings

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

5 little bitty places. Yes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

one week didn't lose any weight

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes. I get lots of comliments