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

I found about it 7 years ago, a friend of mine had the surgery. She had the none ajustable band by Dr. Molina, she has gained back some weight and that is because she never worked out and did not follow all the eating habits. I in the other hand love to lift light weights and arobics or just walking, so hopefully I will have my old body back by next year.

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

I had no problems at all with Ins approval. I was approved by the 1st week. What advice I can give you? Is to have a good ins company.

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

Very Informative I learned everything and he explained everything over and over to me. How can you get the most out of the meeting is just listen.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I did not feel as great as I use too and being out of breath and not able to find the clothing that I like.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched alot on the internet, and found the best one for me. Including the healing time. I also researched the doctors avaliable in my Ins plan. There were a total of 3. Dr. Harberg was the best and only choice for me.

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?

Not so much fear of complication of the surgery, I had fear of not coming out of the surgery. Like dying and stuff, I think everyone goes throuh that. I told my children that I loved them with all my heart the day before the surgery. I told them I would be ok, I just wanted them to know that.

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 mom did not want me to do it. She wanted me to continue to workout and walking. But she and the rest of the family supported me 101%. Thank God for my family they were all there for me.

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

I did not tell anyone but my supervisor, I took vacation time for it. I do not think it is anyones business what I do with my body. So no one at my job know.

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

My stay at the hospital was Ok. Everyone was very helpfull and supportive. Bellair in Houston is great. The nurse that attended to me had, had the surgery 3 month earlier so she was most helpfull to me. I just brought and weekend bag with personal stuff.

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

None, thanks to God. It has healed great.

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 great 3 days after I left the hospital I woke up feeling wonderful. No anxiety for me. I think because I used to wear a size 9/10 when I was 20 years old, I am looking foward to going back. I have not been depressed or anything like that. Thank God again.

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

I just took it easy, I have that week of broth and juice, I was going out of my mind. I do not want to see chicken or beef broth for a long time. But overall it was ok.

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

It was local a 30 minute drive. So it was not 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.

I was on that nasty liquid diet. Like I said before It was NASTY. At this time I am on soft food. I go back to see the doctor on 4/23/02 I will be getting another diet. I think that will be the solids.

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

High, very active no lifting just walking and not being out of breath. I went out dacing for the 1st time after the surgery on 3/30/02, I danced the whole night my hair went flat, thats when I know I had a great time. I danced and notice that I was not out of breath and my legs did not hurt like they useed too. I felt great.

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

I take Flintons multi vitamin chewable.

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?

None.

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

Not being able to sleep on my stomach. I also hate the scar, but like I said before use Vitamin E oil it seems like it is working.

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

I do not like the scar it looks like a little stair. I have been putting vitamin E oil on it and it is lighting up. I pray that is gets smaller.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The men look at me more. I had met one before the surgery and he had not seen me since I had it. He does not know. I saw him this week he was very very please to see me. Then I met another one after the surgery and he wants to get to know me. :-) I am very happy, and my family is thrilled.