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

My doctor recommended it. I was not interested. Approximately 1 year later I was developing medical problems and listened to my doctor. I researched it and decided to go with it.

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

My doctor submitted his referrel and also my medical history. We sent it to the insurance company and I was approved immediately. I have never had a problem with my insurance company.

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

It was wonderful. Dr Anderson and his staff were very supportive and made me feel welcome. My husband joined me and was also impressed with them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Medical reasons. I was developing symptomsfor diabetes, high blood pressure, etc and did not want to live with them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

When I went to their class in the beginning I listened to what Dr. Anderson had to say about different procedures. I had already made up my mind to do the surgery prior to going.

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 never had any fears.

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 with me the entire time. Mike came to office visits and listened and asked questions. My family was very supportive of me and still is.

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

Not employed

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

My stay was wonderful. I was in the hospital for a day and a half and Dr. Anderson let me go home as I was up walking, had no pain, did not want to lay around.

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

None

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 great.

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

I was home in less than 2 days after surgery and I felt wonderful. I ate my ice pops, jello and broth. I never felt hungry.

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

2 hours

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 ate ice pops, broth and jello. I was never hungry and did not crave any foods. In the beginning you are pretty much off foods other than what I ate, but you never feel hungry so you are not looking for them. I cooked for the family and had no desire to eat any of it.

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

I took it easy.

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

I take multi vitamins, B-12, calcium citrate and iron.

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 did have some dumping and vomiting, but it would pass and I knew that I was better off than before I started.

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

drinking som liquid afer surgery to make sure there were no leaks..................yuk!

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

I do not go to any support groups.

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

It is very small and some have disappeared completely.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am not judged or looked at in a gross manner.