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

I thought it was the easy way out and never thought I would even consider it.

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

I called my insurance and they sent me a package of information and steps to being approved. I followed all the steps and called everytime I didn't understand something and they help me and I called alot. The first call to my insurance was in May and I had my surgery in October. It was alot of appointments with alot of different Doctors but I am glad I had to do it. I Knew 100% after all of it that this was the way to save me.

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

one night.

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?

Ready!! I felt like a little kid waiting for christmas morning.

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

I couldn't carry anything over 20 lbs. The first few days were hard but not as bad as I had thought. I had two c-sections and it hurt the same as the c-sections only the first 24 hours as soon as I started walking I was fine. I expected alot worst. Within a week I felt normal still followed the rules no lifting over 20 lbs. I was careful around my children because they are young that I wasn't accidently hit or bumped in the stomach.

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

Almost a two hour car ride

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 in my 8th week and I am still on protein only but next week I can add vegs.

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

Fine I actually wanted to do more then I was allowed.

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

Opti-Source 4 times a day Q10 50 mg 3 times a day and Fiber for the constipation.

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

I attend monthly meeting and they are very important to me I travel to and from the hospital for them and each way is almost a two hour drive.

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

yeah, I have 5 small scars and they healed fine.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO, to soon still, I'm still obese