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

Originally I seen a commercial and sent away for information and I brushed it off. My sisters had talked to me about it a number of times, but I have always been against surgery. Just recently I had 2 different doctors tell me that I should consider the surgery and that is what turned me towards it. I was having way too many health problems for my age.

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

I did not have much trouble with mine, although i made sure and sent in my records from all doctors for the past 5 years along with letters from 4 doctors suggesting I needed this surgery. Also a history of what I have tried in the past for weight loss.

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

Was very informative, just make sure you go in with your question written down and don't be afraid to ask them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Actually, my sister that is more against surgery then me. She went with me to the presentation the doctors give about the surgery and he told me I would be smart to go ahead and have it. Plus i was so tired of have a fractured foot do to my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did some research and talked to some other people that have had this surgery done.

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 afraid i would not wake up, my Pulmonary doctor was completely against this surgery. But you just have to out weigh the good from the bad.

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 was all for it, and very supportive.

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

My employer told me that if I felt I needed to do it, then he wished me the best of luck. I will be off about 4 weeks then go back only half days for a while.

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 4 days, the stay was ok. Not fun tho, hard to get up and down on your own. Only thing I wish I had, had was chap stick. And my family around a little more to help me during the day, but they all worked.

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

Nothing out of the ordinary.

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 did really good up till when I actually went into the hospital then I had an anxiety attack, but the nurse was standing there, and I told her and we started talking and it calmed me down.

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

I stayed with my sister so I could have help getting up and down, was still a little sore. Just got to remember to take it easy even tho you are feeling ok.

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

about 20 minutes.

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

Walking was not a problem, actually made me feel a little better.

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

I take Centrum chewables. Made a difference in how I felt.

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

So far, trying to figure out what you can and cannot eat.

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

Have them available to me but have not been yet.

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

Very long and ugly and yes I expected it.