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

WHEN I WAS IN THE EIGHT GRADE AT 250 LBS AND I WANTED TO TRY THIS TOO

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

it was a hurry up and wait game but the military came through for me.

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

he is the most warm caring person.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

my two little girls. i wanted to see them grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

i did not the surgeon did

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 scared to death but i truely turned it to god

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 were behind me all the way and still are

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

i was not working at the time

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

i dont remember tomuch the first day . i spent 4 days in the hospital.

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

none

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 just scared not knowing what to expect. this was when i found out that god is always with you.

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

i could only take care of me

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

i went from valdosta ga. to wilford hall texas by medivac military

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.

no sugar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go slow and pay attention to the amounts you are taking in

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

i was very weak and i only took care of myself

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

i am on b-12 and iron plus a multi vitiam

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?

the only thing i find to give me problems is white chicken meat and fish .i acn eat these things but only a little

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

the wonderful ng tube

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

only the love of my family .they get me through the hard spots

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

it does not look really bad it has faded so much .when the tummy is done it should look even better.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i have been holding my present 185 for 3 years . i still can wear 12 14 at this weight . my doc tells me i will see the change after the next part

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am the center of all the military balls now. my husband goes out and picks out my gowns for me