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

I went to the doctor about my weight, and he mentioned it to me. At first I thought oh my gosh...That is WAY to drastic just to drop 110 pounds...But, the more I learned about it, and results I saw I was more than happy to give it a try.

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

No problem with insurance...Only had to wait about a week

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

Meeting the surgeon was very helpful. He answered all questions, and was very professional. Ask as many questions as possible. I told as many people as I could, and got as much feedback from my friends, and family regarding my surgery. With their input, and questions I was able to compile a bunch of questions to ask my surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I looked at myself, and my life I was living, and the face of my 13 year old, and decided I would do it for her and I. I am glad I have had this surgery done, and I won't be looking back.

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 TERRIBLE!!! I had to share a room with a 89 year old lady who kept me up all night long talking in her sleep, and complaining about this, and that. Needless to say with a few nights of no sleep I was ready to go home...I brought some things with me, but unfortunately the hospital provided me with everything I needed. I was there for 2 nights, and 3 days. I was very emotional, and with the help of my family I was able to make it through.

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

I have 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 became very nervous about the idea of having surgery. I have never had any type of surgery, and the thought of dying kept rolling around in my head. I then had a friend buy me a CD that helps you prepare yourself surgery, and that helped quite alot.

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

The first few weeks was ok...I was able to lay around, and get used to my new liquid diet, and dream of the found I would not be able to have for awhile. I had no problems at all. I was to get up, and move very well. My energy level was nothing. But, I guess that is to be expected.

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

I didn't have to travel. I was able to have surgery in my home town.

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 only been a little over 3 weeks, and my diet is pretty limited. I am eating my protein shakes---Usually about 5-6 a day. I have some yogurt with powered egg whites, and I also can have jello. Other than that I drink my 64 ounces of water daily. I haven't been able to keep anything else down.

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

My activity level is about a 5. I still don't want to get up and do much. I am driving, and 2 weeks after surgery I went back to work. My job isn't very physical. I sit on my bums all day long.

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

I am currently taking Flintstones multi-vitamins...I take one daily.

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 am having a problem with gas, and with keeping my meals down. But, I am taking pepcid for the gas, and with the meals I am hoping the nausated feeling will go away.

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

Hospital stay

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

There is a local support group in the area that I live in. I also rely on this website a great deal to answer many of my questions that I may have because so many others have gone through the same things.

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

Scaring is ok....I have 6 little incisions...Nothing to worry about though...I rather have 6 little scars than an extra 110 pounds to carry around.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No difference