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

I saw it on tv

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

Let the people at the center take care of it . I had no problems at all. So far my ins. has paid almost 100%

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

I really like my surgeon but I really don't spend very much time with her.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was embarrased by my weight/.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew that I did not want the stapling as this does not last. Everyone that I know who had this has gained their weight back. I also did not want the laproscopy. I had heard from several people that they did not lose as much weight/

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?

There is always a risk no matter what we do. We can get in our car and have an accident. I was more concerned about blood clots than anything so I wore my stockings faithfully. Everyone should wear them why risk 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?

My family and friends were for the most part supportive. There are still people I haven't told as I don't feel everything I do is everyones business.

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

I do not work for anyone.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. The staff was great. I soon lost all my modesty. The only big problem that I had was that they did not tell me about the third day diarreah. I wasn't prepared for a 3 hr. drive home. It really worried me a lot. But I did make it fine.

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

No, I did not have any 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 was anxious, but not scared. I really believed I would be o.k. I have a very suportive family.

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

The first few days were miserable, but by the 6th day after surgery I felt pretty good. after about 10 days I even went shopping.

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

It takes me about 3 hrs. to go to Columbus. It has not affected my aftercare except that it is a long drive to see the Dr. for a few mins. and the nutritionist.

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.

First 2 weeks was just liquids. I then went to pureed and then soft then back to liquids as I was having some pain in my stomach. I go back to liquids whenever I don't feel quite right and it goes away. I haven't tried raw vegs. toomuch except for some tomatoes. I have had no dumping and the only throwing up is when I eat too fast or forget and drink water after I eat.

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

I started walking around the house when I got home and aroun the subdivision at 2 weeks.I am 7 wks now and do anything I want.

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

I am still taking Bugs Bunny until they are gone and then pre-natal.

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?

diarreah it lasted for over a month then constipation. I am having a hard time adjusting.

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

The worst part was the first 5 days of pain.

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

none

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

My scar is not bad at all it is what I expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had one full week of not losing

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no