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

When my mom had it 4 years ago. I thought it was quite drastic. But could be a great tool.

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 problem getting approval, however my insurance will only pay 90%.Make sure that the doctor puts down problems that you are having due to obesity.

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

I had done a lot of research, so the visit was short. The surgeon is very nice and real experienced.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Pictures of myself. Not wanting to get any older at this weight. Talking to other patients of my surgeon. Tired of the limitations from being overweight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the best and most results.

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 feared not waking up. Not to worried about complications because I have pretty could health. It was not as bad as I imagined.

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 husband was against my surgery. The rest of my family was very supportive. My friends were supported until the week before and then tried to talk me out of it. Everyone has been very supportive postop, especially my husband.

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

My employer was supportive. I told them exactly what I was doing.

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

My stay in the hospital was ok. I had one nurse who was impatient and uncaring. After a call to the nursing supervisor, my stay got a lot better. Straub was very nice, all there rooms are private. I was there for ten days. The one thing I didnot expect is not being able to tke care of my own hygene. I am still not able to bend or pick things up off the floor. I was in the hospital 10 days due to infection. Bring someone who can help you with your care.

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 felt anxious and nervous. I took some time off work to relax. I put together a puzzle, read and play games.

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

Dont over do it. You will pay. Trying find a comfortable positon to lay in. Choose appropiate foods. Changes in your body.

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

To another island, by plane. It became very expensive staying in the hotel. Also hard to get pureed foods.

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 eat a lot of soup,cottage cheese and applesauce. I just cant do baby food.

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

My activity level is real high. I do alot of walking.

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

Bugs Bunny 1 a day, calcium and protein drinks.

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?

They have not started yet.

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

The food restrictions, pain if I eat or drink to fast, slow passing of time.

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

none.

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

Smaller and thinner than I thought.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

too soon.