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

My mother had it about 20 yrs ago, so I was aware of it at avery young age.

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

I had to wait 10 wks, but I did get an approval after the first submission of my paperwork.

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

It was very informative, but I felt rushed.I was given all the pro and cons of the surgery,and all the risks including death.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am 36yrs old nd my back ,leg and ankle pain made me feel 66yrs old. I was 335lbs and I am sure I was headed toward High blood pressue and diabetes. I had lows self asteem and a negative self image. I tried everything and failed and was headed for self destruction so I had to make a change a lifetime change.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let the surgeon decide what he thought was best 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?

Death crossed my mind on several occasions, but I assured my family and friends that if I died I had no regrets. These feelings I think are quite normal. Any surgery that you have death is a risk.

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 supported me 100%. I had a couple of people try to talk me out of it when they learned of somone having complications or dying from this surgery. I felt that the Lord was looking out for me and all things happen because of him so if I died it was my time. I am still here!!!

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

He supported me but he did seem a little shocked about what I was having done. I was out of work fo 8 wks.

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 3days. I didnt see my Dr after the surgery until 4wks post op,but I did see his residents. If I had to do it again I would select a private physician over a teaching hosp.The hospital staff was great they really took good care of me.

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

No Complications. This was meant to be.

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 just focused on all the positive affect I would gain in my life after the surgery.

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

I was sore, tired, and on liquids. I didnt have an appetite so the liquids didnt bother me. I was very thirsty and I couldnt get enough water. I could only sip.

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

2hrs. It hasnt affected my aftercare.

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 ahvent been able to tolerate bread ,pasta,beef or sugar thus far.I can eat everything else I have tried fine as long as I chew ,chew,chew, eat slow and dont drink and eat at the same time.

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

I was very tired but after being home 2 days I took a short walk everyday. It helped with the sorness.

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

I take vitamist,B-12,calcium and Iron.A chewable or liquid.

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 have nausea after eating ,but I just deal with it.No other side affects at this time.

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

I have several WLS websites that I post on or at the least go on and read other people expieriences every nite. I have to visit Dr Cahpmans office every few months for the next year.

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

I had a Lap Rny. I have 6 scars about an inch long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I see people looking at me differently.