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

I first found out when I started seeing a Dr. for my depression and I was appalled.But then I met and talked with some people who had it and got more information about it.And changed my mind

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

I have no advice here the doctors did it all for me.

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

I was nervous I was afraid he would turn me down.But he of course did not.Have all your questions written down,Dont be afraid to ask them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was miserable and ready to do what it took.I am only 25 and weighed 320 pounds I knew if I didnt do something I would probably be at 400 when I was 30.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only one discussed with me,and the only one I was really interested in.

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 was afraid I wouldn't wake up.It was my only fear and by making it known to the doctors especially the anestigiologist (sp)they were able to dispel that fear.

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?

It made everyone nervous,but if they were against it they never said.I answered all the questions they had.And since the surgery everyone has been wonderful especially my mother who took care of me afterward.

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

I am a homemaker,the kids did not like the fact they couldn't climb on me and as soon as my last drain tube came out my 3 year old was back in my lap.

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

My stay was pleasent.I spent most of my time in the icu so all the nurses there were great.I was in for 4 days I didnt need anything but some clothes to wear home.

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

I had some bleeding at a staple site,I had to get 4 units of blood,It healed on its own

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 excited,then my date was moved because my doc hurt his wrist.That made me nervous I was afraid it miht be a sign.Now that I look back,I was being silly

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

The drain tube was gross,my mothers birthday was right after and I got dragged out to a restaurant(my favorite one)but they had soup and 100 percent juice so I got to participate but it wasnt the same.I was always tired and had no patience for my children.

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

I had to travel about 250 miles but my mother lived near there so I just stayed with her.I probably got better after care treatment then I would have at home.

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 dont tolerate suger,red meat,or processed cheese food(velveta)Fried food made me sick also so I just avoid it.But for the most part if I eat slow I am fine

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

very low my mother spoiled me.Once I got home though I started excersizing almost daily

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

Multi Vitamin(ultra mega woman from gnc)Vitamin B dot also from GNC 2 tums a day and 2 iron supplements a day.

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?

Dumping is a nightmare so it did not take long to figure out what to avoid.My hair is still falling out in clumps and I am working on my protein intake.

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

I have tried to keep a positive outlook but I would have to say when I eat to much or drink to soon after eating is the worst because that stuffed nausea feeling is the worst and I am soo afraid of this not working I get paranoid when I hit plateus

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

there is one here that meets once a month but I havent really found any good post op support pre op support was easier to find

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

They are fine and fading fast

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hav ehad 2 one was a month out but I also got my cycle so that on lasted 2 weeks and recently (3months out)I spent 3 weeks at 259 then finally broke free down to 254.I am having a hard time braking free of those 250s but I did spend a lot of time there when I was gaining weight.So I just work out harder.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no