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

A few co-workes had it and did well. I heard all the horror stories of the old surgeries and had never considered it until I found they had changed the surgery.

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

I have Blue Cross PPO, my Drs. office tok care of everything, I did nothing and it was done!

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

I was so prepared by seeing the questions and answers on this site, reading everything I could, and the Dr. was also great. Gave great info on before and after the surgery.

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

My supervisor had the surgery about 6 weeks before I did, and was very supportive. I was out of work about 3 months.

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

The stay in the hospital was great, everyone treated me very well. Stayed 30 days. Really didn't need to bring much, liked having my own toothbrush, deoderant etc. but didn't need it. They supplies everything you could need.

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

Yes, had several complications and surgeries. Dealt will them one at a time. Family helped, drugs helped, and the doctors and nurses were 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?

It all happened so quickly, I didn't have much time to worry about it, felt it would all be okay.

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

I had 3 surgeries and a month in the hospital, so the first few weeks were really hard.

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

It was a four hour drive for my family and me (some farther), but I wanted the best doctor.

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.

Started slow and worked my way up. At 10 months out, can eat anything, just less of it. Sugar makes me sleepy or too much a little queasy.

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

I take bariatric vitamins, shipped to me each month and my labs look good.

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

Have 3 co-worker who had the surgery first, they have been great!

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

Many ugly scars, I wear them proudly, better than fat!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Quite a few, seem like when I am not loosing weight, I am shrinking in inches, so it's okay.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am not so invisable, people smile at me more and are nicer, I am more of a person.