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

I had checked into this about 5 years ago but found out that no insurances covered it. then i talked to a couple of people that had the surgery and they said their ins covered it so i checked into it more.I knew I would have this as long as my ins covered it

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 problem getting ins approval the dr submitted it on june 23rd and it was approved july 3rd i called a few times to check on it so i knew as soon as it went through

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

My first visit to Dr. Christopher went very well. He explained everything very thoroughly. and answered all my questions. When you go for that initial visit have several questions ready before you go.and don't leave till you get them all answered

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was determined to have the surgery before my inital visit if my ins covered it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Christopher said he would be able to do the laprascopic surgery. and i thought that was best

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?

I didn't have any fears about the surgery I believe that God would watch over me and if it was my time to go home he would take me. Don't let the unknown worry you I feel there is just as much risk in any other surgery as this one.

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?

Everyone in my family is very supportive of me and the surgery. I was concerned about telling my mom but she was on my side from the start. she is now thinking about having it done. My husband and sons have been very helpful as well they walk with me on a regular basis and are very happy for me

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

my employer was very supportive of me I had no problem getting time off work. I told her exactly what I was having done. I was off work for 3 weeks

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

My hjospital stay was very good I was in the hospital 2 days. the only thing that i would liked to have had was a clock in the room . i didnt have one and i never knew what time it was. I stayed in the hospital gowns during my stay it was easier to deal with.

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

I had no complications after my surgey

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 felt very good I didnt have hardly any pain mainly just a little discomfort.

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

During the first couple weeks you need to take it easy and rest.You may be sore and need time to let your insicions heal well

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

The hospital and Dr i went to was about 2 hours 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 have tolerated everything i tried very well I have not had any vomitting. The first two weeks i ate SUgar free jello, broth Applesauce Juice Then i added yogurt,mashed potatoes, mashed peas,sugar free pudding, by week four i have had meatless spaghetti,other veggies, tuna toast peanut butter

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

the first two weeks i just did basic daily activities after i went to the dr i started walkingstarted out walking about 7 tenths of a mile and now at five weeks post op i am walking 1.5 miles a day/.I plan to add working out with a weight machine in about two weeks

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

I take one flintstone vitamin a day and two caltrate chewables a day

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 have not had any side effects so far

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

i did not have any bad part of the surgery process

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

I have not found any support groups in my area yet

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

I have 5 small scars the biggest about 1 inch Yes this is what i expected the dr told me this at my consultation

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none so far

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

everyone is been great. saying how good i look