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

saw carnie wilson on a talk show........knew that was for me

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

i think it is a shame and a crime that all insurance policies dont cover it they should have too. they have to cover other medical procedures

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

well i had researched for almost a year b4 going to see the surgeon i basically needed a date from him

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i went to mexico with a friend and i did not fit in the seat on the plane without the lap belt extender.......i vowed to myself never again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

had had several other abdominal surgeries in the past, hernia, c-section went with the open for cost reasons

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 was going to die young with or without it......

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?

they had alot of questions but in the end all my family was totally supportive

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

she was happy for me...i was off work 2 weeks...i have a desk job

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

it was good but long i was there 9 days had a terrible reactions to the antibiotics they were afraid to let me go home for fear of dehydration

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 was sooooooooooooo excited i counted down the days

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

to sleep alot...i had no problems

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

45 mins

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

minimal....stairs very slowly and short walks

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

2 multivitamins a day and 2 chewable calciums aday

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 had none

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

there was no worst part............it was a miracle and an awesome journey for me

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

the hospital has one.......i had no issues to deal with i was so prepared for this

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

its what i expected not pretty but thats ok

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not really