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

I fisrtst heard about lapband surgery on TV. i researched that then changed my mind to gastric bypass.

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

I have medicare so I left the approval up to my surgeons office to get approval. They handeled the paperwork for me.

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

I met with the doctor he asked me if I had any question. I had done a lot of research on the internet and had attended a seminar so I knew what to ask.He examined me and approved me for surgery. I suggest someone be prepared by doing research on the options avalable to them. attend wls sseminar.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just got tired of being obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went to a wls seminar and the gastric bypass seemed to br the gold standard of weight loss surgery. I dodnt want a artificial divice inside of 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 afraind of having a leak or of dying during surgery. but my surgeon was very experienced and and did not have a record of any bad problem with the surgeries. Iwould say check your surgeons records.

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 husband was very supportive. my daughter was against it. after my surgery my daughter has come around. My husband was supportive after. He ate frozen dinner so I wouldnt have to cook for himwhile I was not able to eat.

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

I dont wok outside the home.

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

My stay in the hospital was very pleasant. i was there ttwo nights. I shoud have brought my meds from home as the hospital had a difficult time locating my scripts.

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

I had 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 after my surgery. I did feel axiety over having to drink so many protein drinks, as they made me feel sick.

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

The fierst few week are not so difficult you just have to adjust to not eating, Food commercial are hard to watch. Its like a sort of grieving process over not being able to have what you want to eat.other than that it was ok

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

Itraveled 50 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.

In the weeks following surgery I could only eat broth jello protein shakes pudding and grits. it was very hard. then i could have fruit veg and fish for four weeks. i got very tired of fish. now i am on a low calorie diet.i eat fruit veg.chicken pork fish oatmeal cheese ect

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

i tried to walk but i have plantar fascitis in my left foot and ostioatritis in my right knee so it limits my walking. i can do everthing else. i was able to resume my normal activity when I came home from the hospital.

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

For the fisrt six weeks I took Flinstone complete one a day and aTums. now itake a Centrum chewable and A calceuim supliment

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?

The only side effect I get are a slite paine in my esophagus if I eat to fast.

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

There really is no worst part so far.

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

the obesity help email support line helps me.

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

ihave five litte scars across my abdomine. they are fine.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lose about two lbs. then I dont lose for about four or five days .

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no. they ask how Im doing