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

I was asked 5 years ago by my physican to do this but I opted not to. I was afraid of dying.

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

Just be patient it will be worth the wait and keep on nagging them.

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 as pleasant as can be possible. but there is still no place like home. I stayed in the hospital for 4 days 3 nights. the most important thing I brought was a comfortable nitie:) there was no need to bring anything at straub hospital because they provide everything from nities to powder to a great smile

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

None. I am built like a horse...

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

well I couldn't believe it was really happening for real I thought I was dreaming. But I had my angel aggie :) (::Winks:::) she told me what I needed to know and calmed my fears and took me in and out and a few times around the block. I am glad I had some one like her helping me. it made everything easier.

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

well my first few weeks were fine. and I think everyone is different so we all experience different things. I had to walk up 3 flights of stairs when I came home. so I guess I had a work out huh? I think people should listen to their bodies and remember to eat the way their doctor tells them to without cheating. and for me it was 6 weeks of pureed. yuk. and no virgina cottage cheese is not pureed it has chunks thusly you need to blend blend blend.

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

Hmmmm Only about 30 minutes from home I live in mililani and I go to honolulu so that's not that far

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.

now this is interesting part. My theory when I came home. If I could blend it ( to puree) I could eat it.::hears theme music from a field of dreams playing:: Now I am 2 months out and things I could wolf down I can't now.. simple things like.. Mayonase::sighs with sorrow:: and EGGS ACK! well as time goes on I am sure things will change slowly. time is now a bit on my side :) :::starts dancing off singing time is on my side... YES it is:::

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

very VERY low the first week.. then as time went by I had to keep reminding myself I had the surgery. Now I am 2 months out and my husband tells me to slow down in my walking...::begins to twist::: HEY!!! I love it

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

I have been taking liquid stuff but I am in search for a small swollowable pill.. you know teeeeny.. tiny.. kind :) PLEASE

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 hardly had any side effects after the surgery. its now that I am trying some food.. and I you know blow chucks! but I tell myself it will be over soon and then I can eat with out lossing half. the price of life to me is worth it and soon my children will be able to sit on my lap!

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

I had no worst part. to me it came down to this.. a little pain or life.. and to me I now will be able to watch my children graduate, get married, and spoil their children ROTTEN!

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

I think an after care SUPPORT GROUP is very important. those who have been through the surgery has loads of information and wisdom to pass to those who are waiting or just begining their journey. I also think you only get what you put into the surgery you know no BSing. because if you are doing this surgery for vainty reasons think again. and if you only say what the doctor or support group want to hear then you will be all alone and probably get a revision. this is about a abosolute change of life not only physcially but more mentally and spiritually then anything. this surgery is all about who you are. Like My personal hero dr.phil says it isn't what you are eating but what is eating you. now it is time to look at the man in the mirror and change your ways NOW.

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

my scar is large but in time it will fade. yes it is what I expected I have no complaints I LOVE MY SCAR it is a reminder to never forget.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only 2 months out so I have none Yet but I am sure there will be many well I am now six months out. I have experience a weight loss slow down but I don't think I have hit a stand still big time yet. But I am sure I will. OH and I am now just getting that funky freaky hair after the surgery. well it was a while in coming so ok I am shedding it will grow back.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet but I am sure they will when I am at the PC Exceptable weight. Yes they are nicer and more respectful to me now that I am a NORMAL fat size and not a Humegous oh my god slap your momma she is walking towards us size.