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

Knowing someone who had, had the procedure. I thought they were cheaters and had no will power to lost the weight.

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

I was excited that my insurance would pay for this, but also ashamed because I feel into the catogery for being morbidly obsese.

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

The dr. and nurse's were very kind and understanding. I stayed overnight one night. Reading material.

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 felt excited that I was going to lose this unwanted weight. My biggest anxiety is the thought of failure. But I coped with it and still cope with it by staying focused on my ultimate goal. That is feeling better about myself.

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

Women--if they have to cook. This is the hardest because you can not eat what you are cooking your family. Be prepared. Not drinking while you eat is a big adjustment also.

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

150 miles. The only effect it has had is I wish there were support groups around where I lived. I know I would go.

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 first few weeks were just clear liquids, then mushy foods. I ate alot of tomato soup, yogourt, jello, then mashed potatoes, pureed meat, fruit. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. Time flew. I had my surgery August 31, 2006. I still have never had bread or rice. I have problems with dry meats. Not being able to drink while you eat was a big adjustment also. But I am use to it now. ALSO eating slow has been a big challenge for me. I still forget once in awhile and then I pay the price. But it is going much better now.

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

I stared walking a few months before surgery. I am still doing this. I walk 2-2.5 miles six days a week. If the weather is under 10 degrees or if it is windy, snowy I go on the eliptical for 30 minutes. But I do excerise 6 days a week for 30-40 minutes.

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

chewable centrum and chewable calicum

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?

Hair loss and getting something stuck. I think the hair loss has subsided. As for getting things stuck. I have slowed down my eating and have learned to chew my food very well.

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

Nothing really. It all takes time to adjust, but you will learn to adjust.

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

None

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

They are small. Yes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at a plateau right now. It is frustrating, but it is also the Holidays. I have not gained which makes me happy, but I want to start losing again. I will regroup and move ahead after the first of the year.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes