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

A lady from work had this done and she just brought forth to the front of my mind what was proposed to me years ago. She helped me find the dear man who did my surgery.

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

Just be persistant

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

I was a nervous wreck, but he made me feel very easy and answered all the questions I had. Just be confident in what you are doing. This is a big step, and you have to be very confident and trusting in the man you are putting your life into.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My medical conditions were getting worse and my previous doctor said I was a walking time bomb.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't decide, the doctor made it for me.

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 had no fears. My life was in God's hands before it was in the hands of my surgeon, and I had perfect Peace.

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?

They knew how miserable I was and they all had concers, but were very supportive. I answered all their questions as best as I could, to make them feel better.

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

They were concerned, but knew that my mind was set on this. They were mostly curios as to what this would be like. I was honest for the most part. I did not want to tell her until my final approval came through. I have been out 4 weeks, and have two more weeks left.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days, and the care I got was great. I had wonderful nursing care, I brought my self and that was all. I did bring some necessities.

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?

Like I said before I had real peace. I was never nervous. I felt like I was going to Disneyworld.

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

The hardest part is knowing what to eat. I still am struggling with that. Minimal discomfort, but much boredom. I have been watching the dust bunnies having families.

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

25 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.

Still working on this one.

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

Still working oin this one too. I am not so good at walking, but when the let me swim, watch out!

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

Nasty kids chewable. TOO SWEET!

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?

Had none of these things except when I ate something my tummy disagreed with.

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

The binder started getting to me, but hang in there, it is definately needed

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

I was not able to go to the support group, but was able to talk to friends from my PAT group and they have been very supportive. I am looking forward to attending one of the hospitals support groups.

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

Looks like a railroad track. I am thinking of having it tatooed with vines and roses so I can wear a bikini.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have had alot of complements, but not really treating me different,YET!