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

A friend of mine had the surgery. I was very impressed and nervous for her.

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

I had no problems getting the approval for my surgery. Just keep calling your insurance carrier.

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

I had to wait a little bit for him but well worth the wait. Dr. Scholten is a wonderful Surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing I had the best Surgeon, And I wanted to be able to feel comfortable with myself in doing the things I feel I shuld be able to do.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let my surgeon make that choice. He knew best for me. :)

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 fears like anyone else would have major surgery. But I also knew I was in the best hands. :)

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 family and friends have been very supportive of my decision.

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

I told them exactly what I was doing and they also were very supportive.

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

My hospital stay went very well. I had nurses who really cared. Chapstick, I brought one nightie and the rest of the time used the gowns. I was there for 4 days.

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

I had no complications

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 wrote letters to my family. And I talked about my fears to family friends and my Family physician. Also my Surgeon before I went in to the operating room.I was also very excited.

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

Expect to be tired. A little sore. I wasnt on any pain meds when I came home. I was a little emotional.

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

15 minutes from my hosp.

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 was eating jello and s/f puddings when I came home. Now I am eating soups and mashed potatoes soon to be eating cereals. Yippeeee Scrambled eggs didnt go well for me so I now poach them.

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

It is now starting to increase at one mothn out of surgery.

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

I am taking B12, 2 childrens chewables, I am about to start on Iron Tablets.

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 got a little bit Nauseated from time to time but not too bad.

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

The waiting between my surgery date and my actual surgery itself because of the anxiety.

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

I still go to my support group meetings. They are very helpful. Circle of Friends are the best. ;)

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

It looks pretty darn good. Better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not experienced any plateau YET.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but IM sure they will as I start losing more weight.