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

My mother had it and new several people who had it, and to be honest, I myself being in the medical field, was very scared.

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

I had so many medical problems that I was approved quicker then I thought I'd be. Less then 6 months. Be sure when your interested to have this surgery. Have medical documentations of weight related illnesses you have.

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

I found my surgeon to be pleasant and understanding and the best advice I can give you is to write your questions on a piece of paper before you go. Whenever you think of a question write it down and take it with you on your visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I found out I had osteoarthritis in both my knees.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the procedure that was offered to me.

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?

The best advice I can give is that everyone is afraid and to talk to your surgeon about this fear. He can offer comfort to you.

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 have a wonderful husband and family that has stuck by me through all of this. My husband felt I needed this surgery, my parents weren't as happy but understood why I was doing it.

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 to be honest, you are on so much pain meds that alot of things you think you need to bring with you....you don't need. I found the pictures that I brought of my family along helped me out and I used the hospital supplies and toiletries. BRING YOUR OWN LOTION!!

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

No

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

The first two weeks were hell! I questioned myself and wondered why I did this. After being able to return to a full liquid diet I seemed alot less grumpy and my attitude has gotten alot more postive as time goes on.

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

Look above!!

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

Available in the area that we live........(less then 2 minutes away)

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'm still learning. The whole expireance is a learning process!! I able to eat things most others couldn't and things I should have been able to eat didn't agree with me.

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

My activity level didn't start to pick up until after the 4th post op week. Now I spend 30 mins at curves each evening on top of 8 hr cilincal rotations at local hospitals twice a week.

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

chewable flinstone vits. with iron. Gall bladder meds (required)

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?

Nausia.......its still gives me a problem every once in a while when I eat something that my system doesn't like. Right after the surgery, it was much worse.

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

I go to a local support group held at the outpatient surgery center. I have gone twice once before my surgery and once after. Unfortunately this group only meets once a month. But I find it very helpful.

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

Small compared to others. Yes I knew what it would look like after seeing my mothers.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.....

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The biggest complement I get is how much more happy I am!!