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

Someone I know had the surgery.

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

I didn't try to fight the insurance they have a written exclusion and told me there was no way they would cover it.

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

I didn't meet him until the night before my surgery because I went to Mexico. The advice I would give is ask question and keep asking if you don't understand something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of my life the way it was and because my health got worse all the time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched all of the different types to decide what was right 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 was nervous but not afraid. I just figured if I had the chance to be healthier I was going to take my chances with whatever the higher power had in store for 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 family supported my decision to go to Mexico my friends thought I was crazy.

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

They were a little worried about my decision to go to Mexico but they realized it was my decision and I was happy with my choice.

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

I had a very positive experience. Even though I went to Mexico I was very pleased with my care. I was in the hospital for 3 days.

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 was actually relieved to know I was going to have it done.

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

I was a little tired but was still able to do alot. I wasnt allowed to return to work for 6 weeks (my employers time frame). My surgeon allowed me to go back to work in 2 weeks no lifting for 5 months.

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

I flew to Mexico so I guess it was about 2200 miles. I get my aftercare through my PCP.

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

I didn't have any restrictions except for lifting anything over 10 pounds for 5 months.

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

Sublingual b-12, Calcium citrate and 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 have dumped very few times I do get nauseated if I eat to fast or eat greasy food. My hair still falls out quit a bit. As long as I am thinner I will deal with the side effects.

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

I can't think of anything I would want to be different I am very pleased with my surgery.

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

It isn't as bad as I thought it would be it isn't something you can't live with.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit my first plateau at 6 months we had a house fire and I got off track and didn't lose for a couple of months. I actually stopped losing any real amounts at about 15 months. It will be 2 years and I gain and lose the same 6 to 10 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people seem to be nicer and kinder to me now.