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

I saw many ad's on Tv for the Bariatric Treatment center of Michigan and saw the ads to be real and with real people. I knew they weeere the people to bring my life back to me

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

Never give up, as long as you have an doctor that you like and family support to help you with every step of the way.

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

My first meeting was great as I was very prepared and knew when I left wasn't going to leave not knowing if he would do the surgery or if my insurance would reject me. Best advice is to research the subject and ask QUESTIONS!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to be dead by the age of 45 and not see my kids graduate from high school or see my grandchildren grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The was the one I felt was the saftest for me and after talking to my doctor he confirm it too.

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 no fears, I felt if I did die from the surgery I would have died doing what I knew I had to do to regain my life back and to live an normal life. Dying was NEVER an issue for me!

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 family was very supported and went to every doctor's visit with me. They ask questions, talk to my doctor and his staff. They felt comfortable with my decision and knew I wasn't going to backed down on this.

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

My supervisor was great as she had the same surgery three years prior and knew what I was going through. In some ways was very lucky as she understood when I was having an bad day or even when I was having an good day. I was out of work for an total of 3 weeks full time and 3 weeks partime.

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

Hospital was great. Each room was catered to an larger size person. I was in the hospital for five days. I brought to the hospital an CD which help me during surgery and afterwards in the hospital.

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

None, but if shopping addict is an complication then count me in! I love going to the stores now and buying off the rack.

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 excited. I did so many things that I put off with my family. But I think the hardest thing for me was doing my will.

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

I had my kids at home to help me and they were very supported always waiting on me. For the surgery to really work you need your family to be an part of your new life. I did have my days that I was grumpy but overall, they knew what I was going through as I was very open with them from day one.

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

I was very lucky, only had to drive less then 20 miles. This was so good, my kids were able to see me every day and we were able to talk on the phone when they were no at the hospital.

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 was started at clear liquids for two weeks, and by the second week was getting pretty tired of that and moved to liquids for an week, then to soft for two weeks and normal foods at eights weeks. I did an have an couple times I had the "dumping" but I believe it was due too much sugar in my diet. It was my fault and I was pushing my limits. Right now I can eat anything but still have an hard time eating chicken.

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

I would walk from one end of my moble home to the other many times an days, then when the weather was better started walking an block with my kids and then increasing to an mile by 3 months. I now ride an two wheel bike doing about three miles every other day and I swim two to three nights an week.

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

I take two vitamins every night but have an B13 deficiency and taking an shot each month to get my level up.

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?

I had an little post op nausia and vomiting but nothing that was out of the ordinary. My sleep apnea is now gone and never had any hair loss. Dumping was only an few times and that was due to too much sugar intake in my diet.

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

The wait from the time it was approved to the actual day. Seem like years as it was only eight weeks.

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

I believe support groups are very helpful and I try to attend as much as possible. I eel talking to new people who are interested in the surgery also helps me in my everyday life too. I believe the for the surgery to be an big success you need an good support system behind either your family, co-workers or friends online.

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

My scar is beautiful it is long about eight inches and I am very happy to share it to others as this is the new and improved me!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

When I lost 100 pounds in six was very excited, but now my weight is going off slow but still happy with my progress.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes they no but it is an more positive way and I think they take me more serious now too.