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

A friend of the family had it done and was having wonderful results with it so i started looking more closely into it.

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

I had trouble at first getting insurance to go through. I was lucky enough to have a 2nd insurance company to try going through and they agreed to cover the surgery right away.

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

He was very personable and my suggestion would be if you have a question don't be afraid to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i felt like i had tried everything else and this was my last hope if i wanted to live to see my grandchildren.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only one offered for my case.

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 was very afraid before surgery and thought of backing out but now if i had it to over again i would still go through with it.

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 before because i didn't want to listen to anyone trying to talk me out of it and how dangerous it was. Now they all call and check on me at least once a week it's very supportive.

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

My place of work was very supportive about me taking off for surgery. I was only off for the two days i was in the hospital and the weekend.

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

My stay ay the hospital was like any normal hospital stay. I was ready to go as soon as i got there. I stayed 2 days and by the second day my back hurt so bad i wanted to cry. As soon as i got hame in my own bed i was fine. I would say the most important thing to bring is support. I had no problems after the surgery but my husband has been with me the whole time for support.

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

I have had very few problems since having surgery. The only thing i keep forgetting is i've always tried to eat as much food in a little amout of time before so now i find myself eating small amounts too fast and getting sick because i don't chew enough. I suggestion would be to follow orders and remember CHEW CHEW CHEW.

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 excited at first but after all the paperwork came and i read through the possible complications i started getting scared and worried that i had made a mistake. I passed the time by searching websites on this subjuct and talked to people that had been through it.

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

I would tell people to do everything your doctor says and you won't have any problems, but everyone is different and i was pretty healthy before surgery. I have felt great as soon as i got home and have not had any problems since.

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

I had to travel a little over an hour to the hospital but all my family was only 15 minutes from there and on the way. It doesn't bother me to travel for appts., it gives me a chance to spend some extra time with them.

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 only thing i have a problem with is melted cheese. My tastes have changed since surgery and cutting down on sugar intake. i like the taste of pork now where before i wouldn't touch the stuff.

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

I started going to the Gym as soon as i could. I go longer each week and have syaryed lifting weights this week.

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

Flinstone Vitamins, Iron B12, Calcium, Asprin 81mg, Actagal and Nexium.

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 haven't had nay of these yet and hope not to.

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

The worry before surgery.

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

I have went to my first support group meeting this last week and thought it was very informative. We have one every month and i look forward to going as i go through my weight loss journey.

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

i have five small scars and they look as if they will fade over time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm just at 9 weeks so i haven't reached a plateau yet so i still look forward to getting on the scale every morning.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are always asking me how i'm doing and it feels good. My Grandma thinks i'm not eating at all but she thinks every woman should be 200 lbs. and in the kitchen keeping her man bigger than that.