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

Hear about it on one of the medical sites on Web. Scary was my first impression but than I thought would'nt it be great to have a second chance. Then I did my own research.

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

Slow Be patient.

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

Can't go by first impressions. Need to see DR. several times to form a trust and confidence in him. What you can do is make a list before you go with alot of questions. Because sometimes when you get there you are so nervous you forget to ask something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health is falling apart at 47. Had gallbladder remover, open chest surgery for vascular blockages, stents, more blood clots, more blockages, budging disc in back and neck and spurs on the heels of my feet and its hard to walk. Surgery for me is now or never

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a procedure that was 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 had open chest surgery. When I went home from the hospital 5 days later I develope a blood clot in my neck was put back in the hospital for a week. I managed through this and came out OK. I know a little bit of what to expect. I'm still scared. But I'm more afraid of gaining more weight and having to be dependent on other people just to tie my shoes. What happens if I fall and break something? Who is strong enough to pick me up and help me. For me things will only get worst if I don't have the surgery.

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?

Did'nt have the surgery yet still going for test. My husband is very supportive as well as one daughter. The other daughter is very upset. She said she would rather have me here fat than not have me at all. I told her that she has to understand I'm not happy this way and I'd rather not be here at all.

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

medical problems out of work

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

Hospital stay was normal was there for 5 days I believe.It's been awhile. I do remember being uncomfortable in the sitting in a chair or trying to lay down

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

No complications at all. Just adjusting mentally

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

When I got the surgery date I was scared to death. Questioned myself a hundred times if I was doing the right thing. But at the same time excited at the possibility of a whole new life.

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

When I first got home it was rough for awhile. If people can efford it I would suggest renting a hospital bed because it makes it so much easier getting up and down.

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

Not far maybe about 50 miles. Any distance would of been worth it.

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 remember in the beginning just some liquid, like Jello. But I wasn't hungry. And very small amounts. Than I went to soft foods such as eggs, pastina and chicken both. Than after about a month I tried a meatball. All I could eat was 1 and I felt stuffed. The only thing that was off limits for me was gasey foods like cucumbers and soda. Later on I found my new stomach I could not tolerate sugar.But that for me was a good thing. Now I eat just about anything. Just in smaller amounts then before

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

Since I moved I don't have a support group which is very sad. This to me was very important because no body understands the before and after of a fat person, for the exceptions of another fat person.

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

I have alot of scars, gallbladder, open chest surgery, weight lose surgery and skin removal. But I look great in clothes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

There were times that for a week or two I would lose nothing and I got upset. But in time things would change and I would start losing again

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. And in a funny way I dislike them now. Some did'nt like me because I was fat and like me now. I am the same person just in a different body.