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

My OBGYN told me and said I should have it do to my PCOS. I said ok. Studied it and went to a semiar about it and said it was for me.

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

Well my husband is a US Army Soldier and I had to be approved through TRI-CARE. It really wasnt a problem at all. Just make sure you list all your problems with being overweight.

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

It was ok. Kind of rushed. My surgeon was picked for me by my insurance. She doesnt have good bedside manner but she was a great surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be healthy and loss weight and release the great person that is inside me. I wanted to stop having bad cramps and a beard yes I said beard with PCOS you have facile hair. That has passed a bit.I wanted to loss weight and live healthy and I am.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance only approved one Lap ROUN Y

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 didnt have any at all. I prayed had faith in god and my surgeon and went for it. I had none what so ever.

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?

Well My parents kinda of said you know it will be a risk. My husband wass all for it and my kids where fine with it. I invalued all my family and I think that helped.

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

I went in the hospital on November 4th got out the 6th and went back to work the 16th. I wasnt out long and they were great.

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

My stay was ok. The upper GI is real bad. it makes you sick. I had my surgery on November 4th 2004 and was out and home from the hospital by November 6th 2004. I went back in on January 5th because I didnt eat for 3 weeks and my body was straving so I stayed one night then. You have to eat guys. I really didnt bring much your own gown and bath stuff and something to read and thats it.

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

No I didnt from surery. I did mentaly though. I was lossing so fast and loved it so I stopped eating and got sick.

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 AWFUL. I hurt and I didnt want to eat and I cryed all the time and said what didi I do? It really was bad. If I had to do it all over again. I think you should have to see a counclor. It would help in your first 2 months.

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

RELAX and sip fluids. DONT DO ANYTHING. TAKE IT EASY. SIP SIP SIP. Make sure you have alot of different things to sip.

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

I traveled about 47 miles. the ride home was rough. Bring a pillow for your seatbelt. You dont want anything on your tummy.

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.

My first stage was clear liquides that was 2 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after. You are going crazy wanting real stuff then full liquides like cream soup. You are so happy to get to this stage. Then soft foods like potatoes with gravy lots helps it go down. Now I can eat alomost anything but I dont because this was suppose to change my eating habbits. So I really try to stick to a diabetic diet. It is working great.

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

I went to work 10 days after surgery. I should have waited. take it easy. After 8 weeks. I can now do anything pretty much.

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

PROTIEN SHAKES ( SOY PROTEIN FOR WOMEN HELPS REDUCES CANCER) Multi Vits Kids chewables the gummy ones are good. B12

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 any.

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

CLEAR LIQUIDES and not know once you get on solids what really to try first.

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

We have an online group anx its ok. Would rather meet people in person.

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

Oh its fine very small and not at all bothersum.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I havent really reached one just losing slower now Im eating. You still need to stick to a diet I have found out . Just because you have had WLS doesnt mean you are going to lose weight automatic.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES. Very much so. I like it.