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

My girlfriend at work had it done and I wanted to see how she did with it first and learn from her a bit before I started the procedure. At first I was nervous of it and also it didnt seem possible that it would even work.

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

My insurance co. was great within just a weeks time they already aproved it no probs at all.

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

Simple not much to it....They weighed me and said I qualified.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of dieting all my adult life and it was time to take care of this problem once and for all.. I just wanted to live again and not worry about constant dieting and failing of all the diets ive been on .

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor decided for me...And I had it done lap and went back to work in 2 weeks...

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?

Really I didnt have any fears..I went into this with all good feelings ..I kept saying to myself that everything is going to be just fine and ill be back to work and being w family in no time...And it worked..I really believe in mind over matter and keeping positive thinking going on.. I think my hubby was more nervous than me.

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 hated the idea ....Well now shes trying to have it done.....I think she was just scared that something could go wrong and kill her daughter which makes sense to me now....But I wish her all the luck and hope she pulls thru as well as i did...My friends and family are very very supportive of me and I think they realize how happy I am now.

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

I dont think they really care either way but I dont care Im not out to please them...I was out of work for 2 weeks.

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

I didnt mind the day shift it so happens I had my own private nurse because the was on some learning program so she took care of me for the 2 days i was there That was great...But I didnt care for the night shift at all...Thank god one of my friends work there and both nights she came over and checked on me and took me for a walk and fix my compession boots....Amen for her.

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

No complications at all .

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 kept myself very very busy....That made the time go flying by.

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

My husband was great...We had to go to the drug store to get my pain med filled and i went in there with him and walked around...I ate soft foods for like a week...then went to ground soft stuff...I was driving a week later...

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

about 40 miles...

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 eating everything by my 17 days post op visit...My doctor couldnt believe it ....Everything but sugar that is....to this day i still cant ....I cant drink milk or eat ice cream but can eat cheese...Crazy huh ....I only drink water, diet drinks or ice coffee w sweet n low...but it doesnt bother me at all .

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

I was all back to normal 2-3 weeks later like i never had the surgery .

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

One a day for woman and calcuim

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 only side effects i have encountered is nausea... and thats do to sugar and milk....so i tend not to eat those things so i dont get nausea... I havent loss any hair at all

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

I havent had a worst part Im quite pleased with it all....

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

All i have and need are my friends and family I dont go to big meeting because honestly i dont like them...There to crowded and not very personal..id rather talk to my husband, family,friends and go to the gym.

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

2 pea size incision and 4 pin hole incisions in a cirlce above my belly button and under my breast...You can barely see them now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I m finally having one now.......for the past 3-4 weeks ive been stuck at 137 but thats now a total of 90 pounds....So i guess my body has the right to plateau now ...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, I dont get terrible looks, men look as if theyre more interested (which i dont care) and hubby is much more sexual...(but hey thats a good thing because so am I)