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

When I first learned of bariatric surgery I thought I love to cook and eat way too much and I just can't give that up no matter how bad I want to be thin. I also thought this was the easy way out.

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

Insurance approval was a breeze for my dealing with my insurance plan. No problems whatsoever.......advice I would give is when you hit a road block fight it....you deserve this.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was an informative one. We talked about the surgery he told me what to expect, how the surgery is performed. You can get the most out of the first meeting with your surgeon to have questions ready to ask him/her.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing results of one of my best friends that had the surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was no question in what procedure I was going to have done for me. I was a very severe diabetic and had extremely high blood pressure...I also wanted something done that was somewhat permanent.

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 did have a fear of dying. I don't think that anyone that goes under the knife and has a family or children doesn't have that fear. The only advice I can give about fears is you just have be secure in your decision, have trust and faith in your surgeon, and pray to whatever God you worship.

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?

You know it really didn't matter to me how Family/Friends reacted because this was my decision and I was very secure in that. Most were very supportive, because I work in the medical field and I also researched the procedure for almost 2 years prior to me deciding. If there were negative comments I tried to educate the people that were negative...but, there are so many horror stories out there, and ignorance regarding the procedure that I knew I was going to need to address these questions and comments.

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 worried because that's the kind of person she is....she was concerned about me; and she wanted to make sure I was making the right decision for me. I told her the truth about the surgery. I was out for 2 weeks with a total gastric bypass, but, then again even when I was at my largest you really couldn't keep me down.

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 a stay in the hospital truth be known no one really wants to be there. I really felt the nurse that I had after surgery was incompetant, she tried to draw blood and was unable to get my vein after 3 sticks I told her she wasn't to stick me anymore, that I wanted Dr. Gansas called, she out and out refused so it took my Mother who stayed with me to tell her she wasn't touching me anymore. Important things to bring are just normal items. I would recommend bringing an oversized shirt and pants to go home in, if you have drains in you will need the room. I was only in the hospital over night.

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

No complications what so ever.

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 extremely excited. I journal and talk a lot so any anxiety I may have had a talked right through it with family and friends.

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

The first few weeks are the toughest at least they were for me. I felt extremely hungry, but I know it was just my mind telling me that. I had great support in a friend that had the surgery 3 months prior to me....so I would say buddy up with someone get a great support system.

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

I traveled about 1 hour from my home to 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.

Your dietician should go over in detail what things you can and can't eat. However, this is all trial and error occording to how your body will tolerate food. The first weeks you should eat sugarfree jello's and pudding's have your protein shakes, soft foods, like mashed potatoes, broths, etc. In the first couple months gasseous foods/veggies such as cooked cauliflower, cabbage, beans etc. I am able to eat those food now I am post op now 9 months and nothing at all bothers me.

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

I would not advise this but, 2 days after my surgery I was doing laundry. Until my Mother found out, then I was no longer doing that. I didn't really do that much just general everyday things. It's very important not to overdo it.

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

Daily vitamins and a B12 injection that I administer myself.

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 really didn't have any side effects at all. I lost a little hair, but it grew back as fast as I lost it.

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

The worst part for me was in the beginning when my mind was tricking me into thinking I was hungry.

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

None really just my friend that had bypass surgery. Depends on how much support you need depending on how important it is for you.

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

Just poke holes....they are a little purple/red....but, tan now with summer here.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Staying at the same weight for a few weeks....that's ok you just need to increase food....increase exercise.....decrease as well....you have to figure out what works for you. Each case and individual is very different.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes....very different especially men.