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

My insurance didn't cover it- I paid 17,000 out of pocket.

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

My first initial meeting went very well I was a lot nervous because I didn't like the idea of being in a waiting room full of stangers. I didn't want them to see how fat I as. I walked in and was I surprised, there were people bigger than I was. i was ok after that.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I'm 41 years old and I felt that It was now or die. I choose now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the open rny, because it just seemed to be the best one 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?

I was never worried or scared. If I were to give advice I'd say Do all the reshearch and ask all the questions you have. I was told to do this and I din't have the slightest idea of what to ask. So I asked the surgeon what questions are most asked.

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 friends and family are very good about it. There still very supportive to this day. I'm very blessed.

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

I wasn't working at the time.

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

Hospital stay was ok. My nurses were great. I was there Surgery day and overnight. I was released by noon the following day.

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?

I was so Happy- I got a little nervous 1 week prior- But then I got really EERILY Calm.....

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

My First week home was slow. I didn't do much but rest. Others might expect to be pretty much tired and feel out of sorts.

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

Round trip 240 miles. 2 1/2 hour drive 5 hours round trip. I see my PCP. I went to see the surgeon twice afterwards. Then he told me to see my regular Doctor.

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.

# day's prior I was on a liquid fast. Then For 4 weeks after surgery I was on full clear liquids. When I was Green lighted to start eating soft foods, I was very scared, I didn't want to blow it. I ate Mashed runny potatoes. Pudding with 1% milk. I really didn't want to eat.

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

I have 100% more energy than I'v ever had.

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

I take 100 % complete Flintstones Vitamins, and Aciphex 20 mg 1 daily at bed time.

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?

Vomiting for 2 weeks after words. I just laid down until The cramping went away.

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

I don't think there is a worst part.

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

I use the internet for support. There aren't any meetings here where I live, the nearest one is 2 hours away. I get alot of support from my on line friends. They have all had the surgery or is in the pre- op stages.

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

My scar is 5 inches long, It hasen't keyloid. Almost faded away. It's been 4 months.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!!!!