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

My sister told me about it in May 2001. Scared of the surgery.

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

There are mostly dum people in my Ins. office. Once i finally got through to them, and my PCP Then Surgeon submitted request--I was approved

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

visit went well. Liked everybody in the office. Ask questions--take a list of questions w/ you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of being fat and gaining weight

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My sister and I discussed it.

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?

Fears and being scared are totally natural. I was afraid of never waking up and having every complication possible.

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?

Family supported my decision. Very Supportive.

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

Didn't tell my manger or higher-ups. Told them I was having surgery. Only told my closest co-workers. I will be out 4wks

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

People were nice. I was there 4 days. Bring a robe, toothpast/toothbrush, slippers, comfortable clothing for the ride home, pillow, if you have long hair--pony tail holder. Deoderent, hairbrush.

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

No complications, just normal drainage.

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

Came to grips w/ what I was going to do. Tried to eat everything I wanted b/4 surgery

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

1st week is the worst. Expect pain and slow moves. Don't try to over do it.

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

1hr 10min 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.

So far I have tolerated everything I have tried in the last 3 1/2 wks.

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

Very low at first--now 3 1/2 wks later--almost back to full amount b/4 surgery

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

Chewable vitamins from the health food store.

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?

No complications

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

I will be 4 months and the worse part is having my period all the time

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

I attend once a month support meeting. Very helpful/important

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

Long & Red

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None since 1/24/02 I will be at 4 months 5/24/02

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes