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

I first heard about it from other family members who were having it done. I was scared but very curious all at the same time.

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

The insurance process was abit slow but not so bad. I had alot of support from my family doctor.

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

My first meeting was overwhelming. I never though this surgery would work for me. It was very educational and over the course of listening to Dr Schram talked about the pros and cons. I knew it was at least worth a shot.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I liked that Dr Schram was so open and honest. He was very reassuring. Not once did he or the staff make me feel like my questions were silly. My finaly desicion was a few days after the first meeting with the dr and staff. Once everything had a chance to settle in my brain. I had complete trust in the dr and the clinic.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew what surgery I wanted before I went for my intial consult. I just needed a few questioned answered to decide if I wanted to go even have any surgery done. the Dr was able to asnwer my questions and with listening to the pros and cons of both surgeries..I knew my original idea was the right one for 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?

My best advice would be not to worry. To listen and do as they teach you. Have faith in your dr..without faith in his abilty you have nothing. The dr's truly do have your best interest at heart.

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 had mixed emotions. Some were happy, some worried and some dead against it. I just took as much out of my consultation as I could and needed to decide what was best for me. In the end everyone was supportive. Today they are very proud of my success and continue to encourage me.

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

I was out of work for 6 weeks after surgery. My employer was supportive and excited for me.

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

My hospital stay was only a couple days. The nurses were great, I was treated so amazingly. I liked that my mom and friend were treated nicely and included in all parts of my recovery. It was nice to have them along with me through all this.

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

I've had minor complications from the surgery. My only real issue was my insicions. My family dr dealt with it and was nothing really.

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 the surgery I felt great. I was pretty much pain free. The hardesr adjustment for me was the new way of eating. I had about 1 week where I missed eating like everyone else..

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

It was great. I struggled a bit with the diet but over all.. I just relaxed and did as I was told. I was abit tired. The hardest part for me lol..was waiting to see my weight come off.. My biggest fear was to have the surgery and it not work for me..like everything else I had tried over many yrs to help with weight loss.

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

I drove 12 hrs to get to the clinic for my surgery. It was so worth it. It was nice of the Dr to consider how far I was coming from and arrangements were made that I could have my care done at home with my family dr.

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.

Like in the beginning my diet is a day by day thing. I introduce new foods all the time.. everyone is different and from talking with other patients..some food they tolerate that I dont..it's all trial and error.

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

When i first came home my exercise was limited, mostly because it was difficult to walk with all the weight I had. As soon as I started to lose, my activites increased quickly. Presently Im takin kickboxing and have energy like I've never experienced!

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

I take all the recommeded ones, b12, calcium, iron, multi ect

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 had some hair loss. I was so scared I'd be bald. Thank god it has since slowed drasticaly. I still suffer the odd neasua/vomiting but very rarely. I find today I suffer mostly after I eat from small cramping in my stomach but it quickly passes.

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

The worst for me was finding the patience to wait for the actual day to arrive.. It felt like it took forever..

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

I dont have much of a support group. Because Im so far away from the clinic I rely mostly on the internet and support groups via this methode. However this surgery is groing very popular and Im told there is a support group starting in my city so I will look into it.

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

The scares are nothing. Even with the complications I had after surgery with 2 of them, truthfully I cant complain.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent had any plateaus but my weight loss has slowed drastically. I went from losing on average about 7 lbs a week to maybe 3 pounds a month. I dont midn it because I've reached my goal and any weight loss now would be on top of that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I definately see people treating me differently. I have alot more respect. People who holds doors for me where in the past wouldn't have. I find people have more respect for me today.