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

My sister had in in oct of 02 and mother had it in may of 03

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

Mine is a weird story. my employer switched insurance co's on Jan 1st. my surgery was on jan 21st. It was a race and a lot of phone calls, but finally at 5pm on Jan 20th i got approval. Nothing like waiting til the last minute. And the people I talked to at the insurance co were very nice and pushed to get it through.

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

It was intimidating. here is a man who decides my weight loss fate. He is a really nice doctor. And the best advice is to read up on the procedure and don't be afraid to ask ANY questions you have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Family history of ESRD, diabetes, stroke, HTN, and high cholesterol. I want to see my daughter grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The only kind that particular doctor did

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?

Anything could happen. But as with any surgery there are risks, you have to be sure that you feel the benefits out weigh the risks.

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 mother and sister had already had the surgery and everyone was very supportive.

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

I was out for 6 weeks. And to be honest and probably rude my employers reaction didn't matter to me.

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

I was there for 3 days and the staff was attentive and friendly. bring loose fitting clothes and anything you need to look your best when you walk out the doors!

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

No I didn't

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 hungry.....I wanted to eat eat eat. But finally I got over it. For a while I was convinced I got jipped and he didn't do the surgery.

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

I didn't have any real problem. Unless I ate to fast or too much. no problems sleeping or anything. 3 weeks after i was starting my workout program with curves for Women

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

about one hour

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.

First couple weeks liquids and pureed food were all I ate. jello pudding mashed potatoes. Then by the time I hit my 9th week i wanted everything I could have and barely ate any of it.

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

No problems activity wise. 3 wk after I was one the move and working out.

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

I have to take a multi vitam (once a day) and i talk foltrim which is an iron and b complex vitam.

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 think my hair loss has bothered me the most. Not that you can notice, but it's the fact I knew I was losing my hair. It is still there after 6 months, but not as bad.

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

I am clasterphobic and when i woke up in recovery I had a panic attack because I had an o2 mask on my face, plus my back hurt very very badly and by the time I hit the med surg floor and got into my room I was up and walking.

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

My family is my support and I think having someone to support you is very important

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

i had it done lap so I have 5 tiny scars about an inch each.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Men, i notice more men treating me different and how sad is that. I am still the same person on the inside no matter what the outside changes to.