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

I first found out about it on the internet and reading many articles.

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 trouble getting approved.

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

It was very informative. You should just ask the questions that are on your mind.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health problems...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My not being able to just decide I couldn't have sugar (lap-band). Being punished with the gastric bypass was 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?

Well the fear isn't going to go away by me telling you. But my Dr. told me that there was very low risk. And most people that die, have some undisclosed complication going into surgery. So be honest about everything that is going on with you-before surgery.

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?

They were supportive. Scared but supportive.

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 excellent. I was there for 3 days. Items to bring-toothbrush, slippers, robe and clothes to wear home. Your zonked most of the time.

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

No

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

Weak, but that was to be expected. I had a few regrets, but that went away after week two.

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

Lots of laying around, do nothing. Getting up to walk as much as you can, but laying around.

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

60 miles It hasn't affected my aftercare a bit.

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

Days- I couldn't get up for long periods of time. I was very weak. Weeks- I was weak, up until about week three and then I was still a little slow going.

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

Iron, Calcium, Multi-vitamin

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

That darn drain.

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

I had laprascopic rn y so I have few little scars. They are fine.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that I am being noticed. Yes..