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

Dr. suggested it after blood clot. I was very unsure about it after going to seminar but my insurance wouldn't approve it at that time aprox 10 years prior. So I let it go until I had another blood clot almost died and diabetes got way out of control so I asked my Dr. uf he thought it might be an option and he said yes. I prayed about it went to seminar and was a total different experience than first time. Excellent choice no pressures like the first time

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

I called my insurance company and they told me I would be covered due to my medical background. My Dr. did the rest getting approval cod and all. My experience this time was to say the least easy!!!

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

Felt very comfortable liked the Dr. made me feel good about my decision and let me know up front what the dangers were and the percentages of them happening. Ask any questions "no question is a dumb one" that you might have. It is very important that you feel good about this before doing it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was faced with complations of diabetes and sever pain in back. It was a do or die thing. Feeling very comfortable about my Dr. and my insurance approving so easy I decided this was it. No regrets

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon said the rny would be best due to my diabetes and boy was he right. Not taking any meds for diabetes since surgery

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?

My inital fear was getting a blood clot and dying. I decided that was going to die if I didn't take that risk so I did it. I believe most of all my prayers helped me and others that were praying 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?

Everyone was great. I wouldn't have said anything different. everyone has been so supportive even today 6 mn. later.

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

I am disabled not working

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

I was scared at first but all went well alot of info to digest but so glad I went. That is where the Dr. told me about having diabetes and needing to do rny instead of lapband

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

hospital stay wasn't bad helped me to see what it was going to be like when went home as far as preparing food and how much. Was there 3 days need to bring loose fitting clothes to go home in.

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

I have had no complications not even getting sick which I was told would most likely happen at least once. 6 months now and haven't been sick yet. I have been on the verge but stopped eating imediately. Listen to your doctor they know what they are talking about.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Again I felt good about my surgery and had no anxiety pray pray pray trust me it helps

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

Surprised I still couldn't eat any more than I did. Moving is very important it helps get over the soreness be careful and have plenty of liquids on hand One day I had to go to store and almost passed out because I forgot to drink my shake

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

not far about 6 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.

It has been 6 months since my surgery I don't remember everything. At first I could only have liquids and a week or so later I could add soft diet like puddings mashed potatoes. Then couple weeks later I could start eating chopped meats or pureed. Then moist meats and bread toasted as tolerated. You will basically be eating sugar free and low fat foods. nothing more than 5 grams of sugar or fat. You will need to learn how to read labels. Like I said I am 6 months out and am still eating about a half cup food total. Its amazing. Use small baby spoons to slow your eating down and chew food good. When drinking drink slow

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

A little slow but made myself move as I new it was the best thing for me. after a couple of weeks I was moving pretty good.

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

protein, calcium, vitamin d,vitamin b12, multi vitamin

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?

nausea and still get it some but the only thing I can do is stop eating most of the time I have eat to much. Stop as soon as I feel it

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

The first 2 months trying to get all the shakes food and liquids down. Still have trouble remembering I can't drink with meals

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

I don't

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

no scar just a few little spots where they went in with probes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't hit any yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think some people are a little nicer will talk to me where before they wouldn't