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

A friend had the surgery 20 years ago, but I was always afraid of it. Until I had had enough. I had also been through several back operations and figured it couldn't be any worse that those.

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

The doctors office filled all the necessary paperwork and sent it in for me. Within a months time I was approved for the surgery.

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

My first visit was more informational. They explained the surgery and what was expected of me and what paperwork I needed to file and tests that needed to be done. You need to ask as many questions as possible be well informed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had had enough and couldn't lose the weight on my own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well that was decided for me by the doctor. You see I also had a very large hernia too. So I had no choice.

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 didn't really have any fears. I was in very capable hands. That of the doctors and nurses and GOD.

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 very supportive of me having the surgery. Even tho I was many miles from home they all came to visit me in the hospital. It is very very important to have support.

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.

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

My stay in the hospital was great the nurses were the best. They were always there to support me with whatever I needed.

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

Well I didn't have any complications with the surgery it self but they did have a problem waking me up after the surgery. It was a very scarry time for my family and friends.

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 did fine until the last few days and then I was nervous but I did fine.

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

Well for the first 2 weeks I had to stay near the doctor so I had to stay with a friend. It was hard being away from home for that long but with a friend like mine I made it through ok. With my doctors they prefer that you not eat or drink anything by mouth for the first 2 weeks. This was very difficult. I had a feeding tube in and that is how I got my fluids.

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

I traveled about 100 miles for my surgery.

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.

Well as I said before I was on fluids for the first 2 weeks. And then I could eat what I could tolerate. This is how I eat now. I often get sick but the doctor says that will get better as I go.

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

At first I had no energy at all. Now I am full of energy and I walk without the cane now.

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

I take calcium, iron, vitamin B12, a multi-vitamin, multi mineral and I take vitamins for my hair and nails.

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 vomiting is the worst for me and it is still going on.

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

The waiting was the worse for me and also having the drainage tubes and the feeding tube.

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

I have no aftercare support group/program.

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

Well my scar is 12 inches long but I also had a hernia repair. No it was not at all what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't really had any plateaus yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh boy do I ever!!!! Men notice me now. I have their heads turning. Sorry don't mean to sound conceited but it feels so great to have a man look at me. I have been told that I am a very beautiful woman. What a great feeling.