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

I saw a advertisement on t.v. that caught my attention. I sent for the brochere,but it wasn't until my sister had the surgery that I decided that I too should do it.

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

My experience was great! My policy included a benefit for bariatric surgery with certain requirerments that I met.I was approved with my first letter!

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

I was nervous. My surgeon was great. He was very informative and answered all my questions.I had alot of questions written down ahead of time so I wouldn't forget anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew bariatric surgery was the answer I needed.I decided to go with it after meeting with my surgeon.I saw first hand the results my sister had by having the surgery.I was very informed and made the decision based upon facts.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I took the surgeons advice on which procedure would be best for me. I considered my weight and how long it would take to lose.I considered how much time I would be off work.

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 was a little concerned about developing blood clots,so I took some precautions. I started walking before my surgery.I talked with others who had the surgery, I went to support groups,and I read every thing about the surgery.THIS RELIEVED SO MANY OF MY FEARS!!!!!

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 was so supportive! I was the second person in my family to have the surgery. My entire family is grateful that this procedure is out there and available!!!!I have a sister who supports me who also had the surgery so we help each other!!!

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

My supervisor was concerned about the surgery itself. She had heard alot of negative things about it.She also just thinks it is not the best way to go.I only missed 3 days of work.I had my surgery Dec.15, got out of the hospital Dec.17th and was back at work Dec.20th (2 of those days was the weekend)

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

My hospital stay was short! December15th was my surgery. I was home December 17th!!!

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

I had NO complications at all!!!

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 was so excited!I started packing my hospital bag.I was a little nervous,but just talked to my sister (support)for reassurance.

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

I'm 4 weeks post-op. I had to adjust to my new eating habits! the type of food i can eat as well as the portion size.There is alot to remember,but I just take it one day at a time.It is also so important to stick to the guidelines!!!! Dont eat anything that is not on the list!!!!!

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

Only a few miles!!!

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 am still in phase 3 which is a soft diet. I eat scrambled eggs,yogurt,jello,and soups. I avoid sugar and greasy foods is definetly off limits!!!

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

I was felling great! I am very active. I was at my staff Christmas party the day after I got out of the hospital.(although I didn't eat anything,I enjoyed the party)

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

I found a liquid multi-vitamin that I take. I also take citrical, a flax seed,iron and a vitaminB-12. I drink 2 protein supplements a day. You have to decipline yourself to do this daily!!!

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 only vomitted one time.That was from eating to fast!! I learned my lesson,and now I remember to slow down!!! Other then that I've had no side effects.

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

Realizing that the decision I had made was final.There was no going back. I had to accept the fact that I couldnt eat what I wanted,when I wanted.It is hard to accept.You want to eat,and you can eat,but you have to stay in the guidelines!!!!

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

Mt family is my main support! They are awesome!! I also have a support group meeting once a month at the hospital with people who have had the surgery.It is important to get support and share experiences with others who can relate!

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

I had a lapriscopric procedure,very small incisions,that are completely faded.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm only 4 weeks post-op but I feel great!!!People who know me tell me everyday the weight is just falling off.I am so excited about the future!!!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO! At least not yet.