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

From the news of course and then attended a WLS seminar. Initial impressions were curious and scared.

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

I completed all the requirements for approval WLS submitted medical documentation and approval was returned in less than 2 weeks. No real problems with approval process.

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

First visit was good, met surgeon. I had done a lot of research so I didn't have alot of questions. But it was informative.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Just wanted my life to be different. I was 253 lbs and no real medical problems as a result of my weight. Was not on any medications. Just wanted it done before my health started to get worse. I wanted to be as healthy as I could be going into a major surgery like this.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the bypass surgery, because I did like the idea of the band and fills and refills. I didn't want to have all those adjustments.

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 tried not to think of complications and death. I just went into it thinking how healthy I would be coming out of surgery. I think you need to be possitive going into it.

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?

Most people were supportive. My mom was very worried she always thinks about the what could happen. Husband was not really happy with decision, because he worried about me dying. After the surgery and with my results being so great they are very supportive and happy for me.

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

I employer was fine with decision. I told him what I was having done. I was out of work for 1 week.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Yes, I am so glad I attended. It got the ball rolling on my insurance requirements needed and started this whole wonderful journey to my new life.

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

I checked in on a Monday 4/26/2009 was released by Wednesday 4/28/2009. Hospital stay was good. Nurses were great and helpful....

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

No complications.

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 felt great. The only time anxiety set in was when I was wheeled into surgery.

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

Great, started walking while in hospital and just continued to be as active as I could during the recovery period which I think helps with healing.

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

Hospital was less than 10 miles away....So aftercare was not an issue for me.

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.

Solid food in weeks after. Started on liquids following surgery for 1 week then progressed to puree foods for 2 weeks, then to soft solids for 2 weeks. Then slowly added everyday foods back into diet. I tolerate most foods well...Breads are not tolerated to well other than that no real issues with any foods. Now at 6 months out no foods off limits just everything in moderation. Portion control is the main factor to focus on. No issues with dumping....

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

activity level has been great since surgery. I have exercised almost everyday since surgery.

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

Vitamin D, Calcium Citrate, Iron, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B12, MultiVitamin, Biotin

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?

Hair loss was my major concern. It seems like you are going to go bald, I lost an incredible amount of hair I thinned out alot but no bald spots.

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

There has not yet been a down side to the surgery. It has been the best decision I have made for myself.

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

Do not really attend support groups. Have family and friends that offer great support.

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

Had laproscopic procedure. So 5 tiny scars. 6 months out and they are fading in appearance. Scars are a tiny trade for being healthy and happy.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

6 months out and weight has now slowwed down. I have lost 103 lbs to date. Now weight is steady at about 1 - 2 lbs a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people more friendly....And get a lot more looks from the opposite sex now.