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

A co-worker had it done. She really looked great. I thought I would never go that far too lose weight. But I did. I am glad I did.

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

it was horrible, then it seem I was pushed back, all the classes I took everyone else had a surgery date except me. I was so mad. Then I got caught up in the the new quidelines for the WLS.

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

Have your questions ready, Dr. Needleman answered all my questions and he was very honest with me in what too expect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not lose weight on my own, i needed help

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

well, I really didn't have much of a choice. I have had some other surgeries and mesing in my stomach and I could not get the scope done.

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 scared at first. until the day of surgery, I was fine I didnt even think about being scared. The biggest fear was the dumping. I haven't had that yet.

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 was not sure. esp. my husband. But, now I think they are all happy I did this. I know I am.

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

I have been off since surgery, not going back until Oct. I didn't tell my boss what type of surgery I was having. I don't like my health issues discussed with my employer.

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

I was in the hospital for three days. that was enough, great physician, but the hospital stay was horrible. I felt like I was cattle, fix it and leave it lay......I was really surprised on how bad my hosiptal stay was.

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

None at all, i have gotten sick a couple of times,. but that is my fault eating too fast.

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

NO, none whats so every I feel really wonderful

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

it was hard, esp. the food part baby food and broth and those drinks but i got through it and I am on my way!

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

not far at all, the other side of 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.

I was told sugar would make me sick, It hasn't me yet, meat is still hard for me. hot dogs. forget it. cant eat it. bread as well, i try to limit my breads.

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

I was tired, really tired. but I have other issues going on that would make me have this additional tireness

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

multi vitiam

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?

dumping a few times. but it wasnt that bad, and it was my fault eating too fast. you cant do it

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

the hospital stay.........surgery was a breeze and I had the big incison.

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

i dont have one.

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

its better than expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateau, but got through them and still losing weight

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, somewhat