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

I first learned about it from my mom.I went to the doctor office with her,when she was learning about the surgery.After she had the surgery I had to go down to her house and help her?I saw how much weight she was losing.I talked to other people that were getting the surgery.So I started looking into it on the interne?

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

I have medicaid/medicare so I had no problems getting approval.And yes medicaid and carolina acess does pay for the surgery?

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

I was a little nerves,but that went a way after I meet the doctor.He told me about the Laparoscopic and the RNY.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I saw how good my mom was doing and one of her friends.They were doing well.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor at the time only did the RYN at the time.He chose me to do the Laparoscopic on.

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 really scared but I told myself that everything would be all right.If it was my time to die I told god to just take me.I didn't want to live being over weight anymore.

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 and friends were very supportive of me.They were very happy for me as well.I would go through it a again.

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

The people that worked there were real nice.I only stayed there for three days.I brought clothes to wear out when I left.I brought a stuff animal me.

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

I had no problems from the surgery.My doctor said everything went well.

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

As my surgery date got closer and closer I got nerves?But I knew everything would be fine?I was real happy,when I got the date for surgery.

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

I was a little score.My mom had to come and help me some,she also had to change my bandges for me.You might want to carry you extra underwear with you,when you go plases because sometimes you mess on yourself?I did a few times.

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

I went to Wilmington nc, for my surgery and its about a two hour drive from my house to there.The drive wasn't to bad.

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.

After the surgery I ate alot of soft food like cottage cheese,string cheese,plain yogurt,turkey burgers,sherbt icecream,I drink insure.I could not eat boild eggs,omelets.I ca not eat anything fried.It really hurts my stomch.I like to eat alot of fruit and vegetables.

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

My actvity level really went up.I started excerciseing more.I wanted to go and do things more.

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

I have been taking Vita-smart Dietary supplement for adults,and Gelatin for hair and nails,tums for calcium.

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 had my hair cut short so I wouldn't have much hair loss.I found that the longer your hair is the more it comes out.Your hair does grow back?I ate some meat one time and it made me real sick,after that I didn't eat it again.

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

I know alot of people that have had the surgery,and I talked to them all the time.Going to the neetings do help you.It has been real helpful to me,you get to meet other people that have had the surgery.You get to make new friends.

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

My scars are five little holes.You really don't see them?

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People treat me alot drifferent now.They want to come up to and talk.the peole I don't really like want to be friends with me.