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

I found out from my sister-in-law because she had it done. I was happy for her and she looked great. I wanted to do it to at first a was afraid because of the stories I've heard about it. She assured me that the doctor that treated her was an excellent doctor. I eventually went for it and I have never been happier.

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

My experience with getting insurance approval for the surger was not that hard. Maybe it's because I had decent insurance and I prayed on it a lot. I felt if it was God's will it will be done. I would advise anybody of the same thing when it comes to the insurance. Pray about it sincerely and God will answer your prayer.

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

It was short, but it went well because everybody involve in the proceedure was great. I was in the hospital three days. The most important thing to bring is Jesus and faith in the doctor who will be proforming the surgery.

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

I did not have any complications from the surgery. I just made sure I did everything that I was told, which is a very, very important part of the healing process.

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 my surgery date I was so happy and nervous at the same time, but overall I was so happy it was finally here. I did have a little anxiety, and I coped with it through prayer that my God will be with me.

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

My first few weeks home from the hospital was about sleeping a lot and eating a little. I did drink a lot though. People should expect to be patient with the recovery process.

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

I did not have to travel far at all. It was at a hospial that was only about one half hour away. It did not affect my aftercare at all.

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.

The things that I could eat were mostly soft food and lots of liquids, especally water! Protein was an important part of this healing and what I found helped a lot was the Isopure portein drink because it gave you at least 20 grams. The foods that were off limits and still are, is fried foods, things with loads of sugar, some starches and oily foods to name a few. I did not have much problem with tolerance as I have heard others had. I pretty much was able to eat everything that was suggested that I eat. It didn't taste the same, but I was able to eat it.

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

My actvity level went from low engergy to high as the healing process took place. I found that as long as I ate lots of protien and drank lots of water I felt the actvity level get stronger each day until I was able to go on as normal in my activities.

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

The vitamins that I still take are since the surgery are Centrum chewable, Caltrate calcium supplement 600-D Plus mineral, Zinc, Vitamin A, Iron and Biotin for hair, skin and nails. Also Viactiv Calcium chews.

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?

The side effects that were worse for me were dumping and hair loss. This did not last long after surgery because I stay away from certain foods that cause dumping and I take Biotin for the hair loss, which has helped a great deal. I coped with this by talking about it and getting advise from people who have been through the same things.

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

I found that the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process was the getting rid of the gas after the surgery. That was the hardest for me. I had to walk a lot so that it would come out.

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

I use to go to the aftercare support groups that they had at the hospital. It is a very important part of the recovery as well as the mind set. I had to learn how to eat. I also had to put it in my mind that it was not just a change, it was a way of life. When I need to I can still go to groups or log in to this site and talk to people who have had the same surgery I had.

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

My scar is bearly visable. They are small as I had expected because my doctor told me excactly what cuts he would be making on me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None that I'm aware of

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel I've been treated more like a person. I find that I get more respect and compliments than I ever use to when I was heavier.