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

A friend of mine told me about it and I did some research.

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

I have to say that I was approved immediately. I had no issues with insurance.

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

My first visit was great. I was lucky to get a well known surgeon who has tons of experience with this surgery. He and his staff made me feel at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have type II diabetes. My levels were out of control and I knew that if I didn't do something things were going to get really bad for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By primary care physician helped me make my decision.

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 had none. This surgery was my only hope to start living a healthy life.

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 life has been very supportive and helpful. They know I struggled with this decision.

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

I have had nothing but love and support from my employer and my coworkers.

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

I was in the hospital for 7 days. I was in a lot of pain and the staff was very helpful. Bring a pillow.

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

There was some blood loss and I had to get a transfusion.

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

Very nervous. I am lucky to have a huge support group who I relied on to help deal with my anxiety.

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

It was very difficult the first couple weeks but I was lucky to have support from family and friends. Make sure you have a recliner.

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

Hospital was only 20 minutes 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.

Still cant eat chicken. Stay away from bread. Was just told that I can try filet mignon. I try to still eat mushy foods but I am finding that I get tired of foods very quickly.

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

Very low but it is starting to get a lot better.

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

Well I am taking prevacid and flintstones vitamins for now. Will start on the Vita4life soon.

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?

Nausea and Vomiting are pretty bad as I am learning what I can and cannot eat.

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

The first two days after the surgery. I was in a lot of pain and kept questioning if I had done the right thing. I has to say that 5 weeks later I know I did.

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

I has my family and friends. I also just starting going to the Post Op support groups my Doctor's office has once a month. They are extremely helpful.

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

My scar is very thin. Once it is fully healed I dont think it will be that visible. It is a lot better then I thought it was going to be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I has not had one as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.