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

Two of my friends had surgery. My first support group meeting was my whole turn around.

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

Insurance was terrible I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to have surgery. Persistance paid off for me.

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

The meeting with the surgeon was very informative even though I had done in depth research and been through the process with friends. Get all your questions prepared and research.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing the results after attending a support group meeting.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted to have lap done all the time and when it was possible I was so happy.

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 knew this was the right decision so I just kept very confident and didn't struggle with the side effects or complications. Once I made up my mind to do it I didn't second guess myself.

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 were all supportive except my husband but now he sees the results and doesn't say much. I had a lot of support after surgery.

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

My supervisors were very supportive and the dietitian was very informative of my nutritional needs. I was off work exactly 6 weeks but I also had complications.

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

I was at the hospital for 3 days and it was scary. I was glad my husband stayed the entire time. I think it was scary because of the initial time getting up and all the changes you feel. Bring slippers, house coat, and shower items.

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

Yes!!!! My hemoglobin was 7 so I had no energy and therefore didn't want to move much and ended up with pmenunonia.

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 felt pretty good until I had to go back to the hospital after a month and stay for a week. I was very depressed but roommates and hospital staff made it better.

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

Get your rest but also make sure you stay active by walking or some sort of movement.

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

50 miles and it wasn't bad 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.

The liquid protein was very hard for me to tolerate but you have to drink it. Popsicles, pudding, jello (all diet of course) were very good tasting to me for the first 4 weeks. Then after 6 weeks I went to soft foods such as; cottage cheese, eggs, meat in salad form. After 6 weeks it has been trial and error. I have a hard time with chicken. And just love pasta dishes.

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

Activity level wasn't good but in 2 months after surgery I have more energy than ever.

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

Chewable vit after surgery now doctor has me on pre-natal vit.

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 vomit at least 2-3 times a week. Usually it's something that may not agree with me. Or some days for me are just better than others. I am dealing with the hair loss right now.

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

I don't look at it like that! I have a new life now it was all worth it!

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

I go to support group once a month and plan to continue. It is very important to me to attend.

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

I have minimal scar and it's what they told me it would be like.(LAP)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus yet but I know they will come soon. I'll deal with it when it occurs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no!