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

I first found out about it from my friend but i wasnt that over weight at the time. My sister decided to get it done and i see her results. she is happy and healthy. we have alot of family history of diabetes,cancer asthma heart disease water retention. and i do not wanna end up with these things.

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

Well i didnt have to worry the doctor took care of everything.

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

My surgeon is great i will tell anyone to go to him he is so nice and a great surgeon. Expect to get any questions u have answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i was tired of being fat and depressed and lonely or feeling ugly.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

i did what the doctor offered

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 cant say not to be scared cause i was but just dont think about it and pray ALOT!

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 supportive.

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 great i stood at einstein in the bronx i loved it!important things to bring pajama pants and shirts they supply u with pretty much everything

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

I did get fever but they took care of that besides that i was fine!

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

Well i was having doubts but i guess we all do sometimes. but i got used to it and decided i had to do this

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

I was miserable, i thought i was gonna feel skinny after the surgery (lol) not really i actually felt fatter i was so depressed but as the days went by i started to feel better and the clothes started to feel loose thats the best part.

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

not far at all.

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.

Honestly i had no problems with anything at all.i just was on puree for the first 2 weeks then i moved to solids i just chew really well.

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

very low i was afraid cause of the staples.

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

i take b12, iron , a one a day , and something the doctor gave me for goldstones. u know this is the only regret i have i really hate taking all these pills but u have to.....

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 worst for me now is the hair loss but thank god i have alot of hair and it just started falling 2 months after surgery.

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

nothing.

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

My support is my sister we support each other.

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

My scar is ok its going away with cocoa butter!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

havent gone through any yet and hope i dont...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet!lol i feel great though when i get into a saller size!!!!