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

my first impression was when i first saw the commercial, almost 12 years ago , that had to be a serious decision for any individual to want something so" intense" done to them, to be able to be mobile l and accepted in this world!!!

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

my experience was great i had absolutely no problems through bc/bs every thing was covered.simply call in and ask if the procedure is covered and you will get a quick response.if you have an (HMO) be patient.

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

My first visit was focused and centered on every word that came out of my surgeons mouth. you can get the most out of your first visit by asking the necessary questions from health shows, magazines and other listening to others who have had the surgery before you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

what made me decide to have surgery was , to many health problems, that were getting out control. needing to use a cane, needing help to use the bathroom.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

when my surgeon told me "boldly" that i need to have weight loss surgery because i was to big.that was the deciding factor to me.it hurt to hear but some times the truth hurts.

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?

there was no fear , a little anxiety.what i would tell others is to stay calm, relax and if you believe in GOD , keep him first , because no weapons formed shall prosper.

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 not so convinced that i t would help , thought it would be cheating and why i couldn't do it the old fashioned way. no i wouldn't communicate anything differently now than i did in the beginning. after i had surgery and i started to lose the weight, i saw different opinions on how the surgery has helped me, and possibly helping the ones who put the procedure down.

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

today, I'm a domesticated engineer (stay at home mom) and proud to be one. the best job ever.

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 great.nurses were friendly and at my service completely. my stay at the hospital was 2 days. what medicines are you currently taking,personal items, friends phone numbers the guide to obesity surgery hand book to keep you informed on what will go on during pre-op and post -op.

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

throat restriction was the only major problem that i had. had surgery to correct the problem.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

in the weeks after surgery i was extremely tired, a tiredness i had never felt before. there was no anxiety.

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

my first few weeks were fine tired alot , until i could do certain task. expect to be tired and very sore but, the days get better very fast.

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

I traveled 15 minutes.

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.

things i could eat were hamburger , cold cereal , spicy foods no sweets of any kind. sugar free juices , flat diet caffeine free pop, decaf coffee only. foods that are off limits are all sweets, no fatty foods.my dietary tolerance changed as followed: no cold cereal ,no milk gives bad gas pains.month by month, food started to taste better and more tolerable, with a different taste as i went through different menus to follow.

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

My activity level was low until i went for my first post-op visit and was cleared to go out and work on my weight by mall walking daily.

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

currently i take bariatric advantage vitamins and centrum liquid multi vitamins.

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?

side affects that were bad for me were mild hair shedding, and nausea. hair is still shedding after 5 and a half months post -op, nausea still happens once in a while if water is to cold to drink.

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

having your last final meal almost 2 days before your procedure.taking laxative to clear out your bowel having to drink only clear fluids and jell-o.

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

weight loss surgery support group at the franco center. new ideas from other patients, new foods to try outings with the group.

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

5 small cuts. yes it's what i expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

no plateaus of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes. more conversation and being invited to different parties.not looked at like i'm a joke.