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

Laying up one night couldn't sleep and start watching TV about wls.I was glad to see something that can help me control my eating

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

I didn't have much trouble. I had to do a six month supervise Dr. Diet. Then with in a week of finishing I got my ok. Do everything your insurance ask you to, do not miss an appointment and be patient.

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

He seat me and my Husband down and ask what surgery I was looking to get and I told him RNY. And because of my weight he thought i had choose what would be the best for me. Then he explain everything to us. He explain it so well any question I had I just was drawing a line thru them as he talk about the time he finish all my question was answer. My Husband had one and he took the time a explain his question. He was great in making you understand what was going to be happening.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally had Grandkids and really could not play with them the way I could play with my children I know it wa time then. along with all the medical problems. I wanted to be able to see them grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I think I just didn't want to stay in the Dr. office getting fills. Al the insulin shots had been enough

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 don't now why but believe it are no I had no fear. When you lose a child. The fear of dying is not there anymore. I just went in with a song on my heart and a prayer on my lips and knowing the Dr. was good at what he was doing. Prayer's and believing in the Dr. that you choose and being comfortable and trusting him.

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 husband was OK with the surgery it took time for me to tell other's in my family. I have a Identical twin that I had to tell she knew I have been depressed with the weight she was not crazy about the idea. But she had her say then gave me her blessing. My parent was total the Friday before the surgery didn't won't them to worry. Everyone that no is very supportive of my surgery even now. It feel great.

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

Self employed

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

My stay was great there the Dr. patients are put in ICU for at least 4 days before he send you home. I went home without drains. Tooth brush paste, lip chap, slip. Then they gave you slipper that was sock so that you didn't spend time trying to get in and out of house slipper's

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

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 was slightly tried but not anxiety at all.

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

You need to learn how to drink(sip) enough water, follow all instructions that is given to you by the hospital, and the Dr. office. And get plenty of proteins and your meals on time and learn the eat very slow.

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

I didn't travel but 4 mile to the hostipal for surgery . And the after care distance is about the same.

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 had trouble getting water down it was so light it hurt when it hit the bottom of my stomach. It's been since 2nd of July its a hold lot better. I had start eating less salt ,suger,pepper in my food before surgery. Don't eat onion may cause heart burns so I don't try any. Foods that to hot and to cold liquid still can't eat it. Have to be room temp.I follow my diet as close as I can. If the diet say liquid that what i did. Now I'm on the Dr. first six months diet, I have to get back in the habit of carry a cooler with me for the things that I need to eat. Doing the day every thought I don't work I bring it with me so if I don't get home in time I'll have something with me.

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

Still having trouble with my feet so I have to walk a day and miss several until they stop and began again.

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

Flinstone vitamin 2 with iron Tums 2 Biotin,sub-lingual b12 1 tablet on sunday

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?

Just experience a little dumping in the past month

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

I have found any worst part of the surgery. Lucky I have a high pain tolerance to pain

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

Yes the Dr. have an aftercare program they are very helpful. It's get me information on differnece kind of protien of then proetien drinks. They are different people at difference stage that help a lot.

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

It 's a little larger that I thought it would be be that no problem. He explain if he had to deal with the gallbladder it would have been larger and it was. I think he was more unset then I was.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a plateau but because I 'm still have problem with my feet and not being able to walk like I need too I'm sure it didn't help with the pateau at all

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No because no many people no of the surgery. I've had several asking about me losting weight.