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

My father in law had it done and he didnt do very well with his. It scared the hell out of me. I think he chose the wrong surgeon. Then my cousin and I decided to have it done, three years after his and his health had improved so much.

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

I think the insurance crap is bolagna, but I advise anyone to do exactly as the doctor tells you. Dot all your eyes and make sure your paper work on your end is exactly what they want

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

My stay in the hospital was not bad , I checked in on friday and left sunday morning. I just wore the hospital gowns, just make sure you bring a housecoat, slippers and your personal items. Hospitals dont provide good soap, shampoo or tooth paste. dont forget your deoderate, brush. Some people bring a long wooden handled spoon, yes this sounds gross but it is true, you cant wipe your bottom. I figured out a way without the spoon( I figured these people were just being babies, NO they werent)

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

not until 5 months out, but the doc said this could have happened even if I hadnt had gastric. Stomach acid ate a hole thru my stomach which required emergancy surgery. It was horrible but I dealt with it the best way I could, with the help of my family and friends and the most important God.

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

After two to three weeks I felt much better, the only anxiety was that I couldnt eat the things I once loved. This is a decision you make for yourself and you have to prepare yourself of all life changing habits you have to change as well.

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

Your left side will hurt like crazy, you cant lay on your left side , you cant stand for long periods without it hurting some. Its all normal because that is where they do all the work from. Its all better in two to three weeks, keep telling yourself you did not make a mistake. It is all worth it in the long run

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

about 15 miles

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.

when you come home you are on a full liquid diet which consist of jello, protein shakes( be leary of milk or milk based products, some people are lactose intolerate at first, I was) sugarfree popsicles, broth,water. then you will go on soft puree diet, It consist of soften foods mashed potatos, refried beans, cream of mushroom or any cream of soups be careful of some chunks and chew ,chew,chew, tuna fish. alot of people say towards the end of this stage you can eat more of what you like but be sensible with your choices and chew like there is no tommorrow. Remember you made a choice to have this surgery for your health, dont screw it up with stupid choices.

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

better after a couple of days to a week, the pain in the left side kept me from wanting to do alot, but the more you walk the better you get faster.

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

I continue to take flinstones complete , two tums in the morning, and my prevacid. My tums I will change to calcuim citrate in a few days. Never stop these

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 have and sleep disturace or vomitting, a couple of dumping but it only last about 30 min. I suggest to lay down and sleep thru these episodes if possible. Hair loss will happen, worse for some than others, It is up to you, If you dont want to do as the doc suggest the prepare yourself, your hair will fall out. I have done as the doc said and I did eat ,I stuggled with protein and my hair did thin out , but not the extreme of my cousins.

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

Other people and thier attitudes toward it.. It is not the easy way out, this is the hardest thing I have ever done but so worth it.

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

I go onto obesityhelp.com for support from people that has experienced the same thing. my family and friends have been great. without support I couldnt imagine doing as well as I have.

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

five little puncture marks. they look better that my stretch marks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateaus and having one now. dont give up it will start to come off again just make sure you get your protein in and watch your carbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get more attention, and strangers are nicer. they smile more or hold a door open for me.