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

I was scared, but knew that it was my only option.

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

I had no problems. My surgeon and his staff handled everything, and my insurance covered it.

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

Dr Forse is awesome. I liked him alot, and actually think he is cute. hehhehhehh

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

DeEsperation...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

With the advice adn counselling of my surgeon. We went over the options.

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?

Dying, of course. But I was most afraid of having to change my lifestyle, and eating habits... These fears were unfounded.

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?

They were great. Very supportive. In fact, two of my siblings have since had it, and are doing great

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

My work was greeat too. I got off all the time I needed.

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

I was TERRIFIED when I went in. I stayed in for 5 days. But the recovery process went fine. The most important thing to do after the surgery was GET UP AND WALK.

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

None.

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, unfortunately, coped with substance abuse. Not recommended. A stint in a detox/mental health institution delayed my surgery...

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

Expect to be uncomfortable for a little while, painwise. More so, expect anxiety and grief from losing out best friend, food. Post surgical depression is normal too. Talk about it.

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

Not far. Ilive just north of Boston, and my surgery was in town

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 month was liquids only. The second month was soft foods. The I upgraded yo solid food again. My doctor is very conservative in this regard. Extremely sweet foods likes frostings are bad. Gassy veggies like broccolli are hard sometimes. Soda and carbonated beverages are to be drunk in smaller quanities, and not with a meal.

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

Remarkable high.

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

Regulat daily vitimins, and TUMS, for calcium

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?

Some dumping is expected. I did have an accelleration of my already thinning hair. LOL

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

The wait.

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

They recommended the support groups, but I havent been to many. I fo to 12 Step programs, and that is my mains support, along with my family.

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

I am hairy, so it is not noticible. It isnt bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am plateau-ing now. My weight loss has stopped for the most part, butI know I can do more to start it up again

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely.