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

at first i was frightened and thought it was crazy. But after almost 3 years of research I found the right surgeion and it was the right time.

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

at first it was difficult i even had to change surgeons but once I did it went like clockwork

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

He was brutal. He told me of all the possible complications and scared me to death but i did go through with it and it was the best decision I ever made.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My life was out of control and Ii wanted to do more with my life

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that doing this was a drastic measure and decided if i was doing this I might as well go for the most proven procedure. The rouxeny.

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?

My fears were monumental but life was scary every day at a bmi of 46.

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 family was great I couldnt have done it without them

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

I was in the hospital for four days. The stay was horribly uncomfortable. walking was the most important. I walked in ICU as soon as I was able.

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

No, I was lucky

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 horrible. No energy and nauseaus all the time. I was depressed because I had no idea how much food was important to me.

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

I was depressed scared and completely drained.Rest and expect to feel better in about 6-8 weeks when your energy starts to return.

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

Very close.

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.

I followed the nutritionists orders and went from liquids to full liquids, purees etc. I think that was a huge help in the fact that I can eat just about everything now. I am 18 mos. post op and the only intolerances I really have are to heavy starches like rice.

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

Little if none at all. I wasnt feeling up to anything until about the 4th week.

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

I take a multi, calcium , vitamin b6,zinc and my b12 shot monthly.

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 didnt vomit very often (only if I overate) I dumped a few times and still have dumping like symptoms if I eat too much sugar. The hair loss was minimial and lasted about 3-6 monthas but seems to have come back.

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

The intial 6-8 weeks was the worst but after that it all fell into place.

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

I go to a support group in hollywood florida that has patients from all different surgeons. It has been a great help to be around people like me who have been through the same process.I look forward to my meetings every other week.

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

I had 5 small incisions (i had the lap). Now since my TT you can only see one of those the other 4 have been cut away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I notice when I reached my year mark it became harder to lose. but with exercise and proper nutrition it stared to come off again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!!!! I hate the fact that they do since I am the same person but thats they way the world works. unfortunately people to treat thinner people with more respect.