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

I found out about it though a friend who had it done about 2 years ago, she told me about this website. And the rest was history. I started to research....go to meetings.

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

My job did not cover Gastric Bypass ....so I went through NC Voc. Rehab. The only thing I had to cover the cost on was my fee through DUKE Univ. ....so in all we paid was about $400. I'm thankful ...because that is a small price to pay.

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

My first visit was good. My surgeon , myself and family asked alot of questions ( don't be scared to ask...) Talked about the procedure, hospital stay....we covered everything. I took a notebook and wrote down thing I wanted to ask and things that he told me in case I forget.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was not getting any better....I was moved to insulin, my BP med were increased. And I took a long look at myself and told myself that I want to be here to live a more health life for me and my family

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

By taling to my doctors....both primary care and Weight loss surgery doctors.

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 really did not have any fears. I put my trust in the people taking care of me.

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?

Everyone was 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?

Everyone was very supportive of my decision....they came to see me in the hospital

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

My stay was great....everyone took care of my needs. I was in the hospital for 2 days.

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

I did have some minor complications after my surgery when I was about 3 months post-op. I was loosing my weight very fast, developed neuropathy, vertigo, memory loss, dehydrated,and a vit def. BUT as soon as my doctors seen me that day we called I was in the hospital and all was well. And I was taken care of and back on track.

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 think I delt with it well. I had all my family and friends to help me

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

Do what the doctors tell you, rest , rest, rest. Drink your fluids, excerise when you can....and have yoru family to help

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

I live in North Raleigh...and had my surgery in Durham....I traveled about 15 miles.

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.

AS MOST OF YOU KNOW....DO NOT EAT SUGAR. I ate suger free all the way. Soft foods....baked chicken , baked fish, eggs....you get the idea

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

I felt very good....do light walking or house cleaning.

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

I took a womens DMV 2x per day, baby asprin, and iron

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

just when I had my bump in the road...other then that it was all pretty good

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

The www.dukewls.org. , friends , family ...and this website

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

I had Lap surgery so I have 4 small scars.....VERY SMALL

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have nto hit a plateau yet......I'm loosing about 1-2 lbs per day still. I make sure that I drink all the time and eat all my meals.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO....just people happy for me