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

I saw an ad for a seminar and decided to go and see what it was about

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

My insurance would not cover it, but God always opens doors, and my parents were able to help me pay for the surgery.

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

My surgeon was very helpful and answered all of my questions!! Even the ones that were probably dumb!! I would write down anything that comes to mind before your scheduled appt. so you can be sure to ask about everything!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My surgeon being so helpful.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon told me about all options and I chose the one I felt was right for me and my lifestyle.

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 think everyone has the fear of not waking up after any type of surgery, but I did not fear the type of surgery I was having. Being prepared mentally is so important. Do not fo into surgery not having all your questions fully answered before hand.

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 great. I had a few friends who thought it was a bad decision.

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

They were gr8!! I told them how long I needed and they supported me. I have a gr8 employer!

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

I went in on a Wed. am, and was released Friday afternoon. I brought pictures of my daughter and husband to look at when they couldn't be there. Also, a robe, and YOUR pillow from home!!!

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

Yes, I had some internal bleeding and went back in Sat. the day after I was released, and had to have 2 units of blood. I was home Monday afternoon. I was scared but the Dr. and nurses were fantastic!

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 very depressed as I had to mourn food. I was angry at those around me who could eat. It was very hard the first couple of weeks while I was on liquids, but then, I was ok to start soft foods.

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

I had no pain whatsoever. I did not take 1 pain pill. I was very tired for a while, but when I started soft foods, I had more energy. Trying to take all the vitamins was very hard for me. I hate pills of any kind!

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

Same city

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.

Cheese is hard on me. I hear alot of people eat it, but I am 3 mths out and still can't eat it. I cannot tolerate milk of any kind and I loved milk before my surgery. I eat chicken, steak, fresh vegis and fruit.

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

It raised tremendously!!!!!!!!!!!

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

2 multivitamins 2 calcium 1 b-12 shot per wk 1 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?

I only dump when I eat bad foods. I never throw up, but I get pain in my stomach, get really hot, and feel nausiated. All you can do is lay down and rest.

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

Waiting for the big day!!

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

A group called Staplemates

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

They are very small!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think my loss has been right on track for my expectations

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.