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

From a coworker of my mothers. I was a little nervous because I'd heard negative things about the surgery.

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

It was the best feeling in the world. Words can not describe the excitement and relief I felt when I heard I was approved.

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

He answered all my questions and made me feel extremely comfortable.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My overall health and I wanted to see my child grow up!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't want the lapband so I chose the bypass.

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 feared dying because right before I went into surgery, two or three people from the OH passed. They gave me the getters but I had to put my faith in God and move on.

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?

I didn't tell too many people because it was a personal decision that I didn't feel comfortable sharing.

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

They really don't know. They are assuming. I was out of work for 6 weeks. The doctor wanted 8 and I wanted three but I realized that I had to take care of myself.

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

I hated my stay at the hospital. I was there a week. I would suggest that women bring female products, gown, house shoes, something to read if you feel up to it, and your cell phone.

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

No.........

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 was anxious. I just tried to stay focused.

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

It was an adjustment dealing with the tube and making sure I didn't pull anything. I made the mistake of picking up my 3 year old and that was a very smart thing for me to do. It set me back a little. And he's bigger than the average 3 year old. Take care it easy and walk as much as possible but small walks.

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

two hours. It didn't affect my aftercare

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 had to stick to protein and sugar free drinks.

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

I walked around the house and outside as much as possible.

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

prenatal vitamins Duet DHA and I've added in Biotin 5000 mg

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?

very little hair loss and I think that's because of the prenatal vitamins. i didn't dump unless i ate too much. my sleep pattern did change somewhat.

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

The preping for the surgery (the night before meds to cleanse my system along with the antibiotics). They made me sick as a dog. I also hated the hospital stay. Other than that.......no regrets............

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

There are monthly support meetings and I meet with my surgeon once a week.

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

It's ugly in my opinion but it healed wonderfully and I ignore it for the most part now

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a lot of plateaus and I'm a slow looser. I have to be careful not to get stressed out about it because when I do I tend to want to eat sweets. I have to practice self-control.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They compliment me more.