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

The ads on T.V. 8 years ago (my then husband wouldn't let me do it, he said I could diet on my own without the surgery, then he brings home pizza and cake) I was all for it after my last diet failed (Meridia)

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

It was easy for me, B.T.C did all the leg work for me. I had to change my insurance to BC BS, I used to have HAP. Make sure your insurance will cover you 100%.

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

I had no questions for him so he just dragged on and just wanted to hurry up and go. I was the last one for the day 5:00 pm I read a lot about the surgery before and after my meeting. In one word READ.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I almost don't fit on a plane. I have cysts, boils, joint pain, back pain, clothes don't fit right. I can't have a relationship with a man, my weight always is never a prob till later.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This is what B.T.C offers

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?

No fears, my only fear is having to live like this forever.

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?

I'm not telling anyone.

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

I'm not telling them (unless H.R. asks)

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

My Stay was a LONG one for me, 5 days. The lady in the next bed was a ROYAL Pain, cryed all the time. Stiff upper lip, no worrys and no tears.

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

No Complications. Dr. Marymore did a GREAT JOB!!!!!

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 just thought of how my life WILL change.

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

I felt as though I has Kissed the DEVIL'S A**!!!! But the Pain got better and I was able to do more. Two words of advice GO SLOW!!!!!

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

45 mins from home. Not bad was able to get there without trouble.

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.

Nothing other than Sugar and too much S/F 's. I eat Meats and Breads and of course Taters.

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

I walk and I joined a Gym.

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

2 Pokie`man vid's and B-12 tabs ISOPURE Protien powder mixed w/skimmilk (Strawberry's and cream)

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?

Never had any Probs w/any of that, What so ever.

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

My Room mate.

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

I go to the BTC Support Meetings and the WLS Chat room. I'm Glad Both are here for me to use.

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

I have a long Scar (I had open) yes it was what I had expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So Far Ive have 1 plateau. I don't weigh myself all the time. STAY OFF THAT SCALE!!!! DON'T BE A SCALE SLAVE!!!! ACCEPT WHAT THE WEIGHT LOSS GODDESS GIVES TO YOU. That's what I tell the folks in the chat room.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Nope not yet.