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

I found out about the different types of WLS through doing research on the internet. I think it can be a life saving gift for people who suffer with morbid obesity. I know for a fact that diets alone do not work for keeping the weight off of people who suffer from the addiction of food and obesity.

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

I was denied by my health insurance co. the first time my dr suggested WLS. I intend to fight for WLS! I deserve to have a healthy life and surgery is the only way I will be able to achieve this goal. My advice to others is DON'T GIVE UP!!! KEEP FIGHTING! If all else fails...that's what lawyers are for.

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

My first visit with the surgeon went very well. I went into the appt pretty well informed from reading all the information I could find on WLS. It helps to have a list of your most important questions ready when you go. It also helps to have a supportive person accompany you to your visit. Ask for a list of the dr's patients so you can talk to them about their experience and opinion of the dr.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My total lack of control when it comes to eating. My health is getting worse and worse. I don't want food to control me anymore. I want to live and enjoy a healthy happy life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through the recommendation of my surgeon and talking to others who have had the surgery. I also read all the information I could on which surgery type would be the most beneficial for me and my type of eating problems and food issues.

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?

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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 am shocked at how supportive all of my friends and family have been in my decision to have WLS. I think they understand how important this surgery is to me and how much I want to get healthy. I will have to get back to you on the support after the surgery as I am still in the process of fighting for approval. They see firsthand how obesity has robbed me from living.

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

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

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

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In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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?

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

Getting insurance approval!

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

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

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Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

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