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

At first I use to think it was a easy way out. Boy was I wrong. Then i met and talked to some people first hand and saw it was the way to save my life.

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 any issues with that. Dr. Lowe with Carolina Surgical Group in Charlotte NC took care all of that for me. A couple of papers on my part but that was it.

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

I was in the hosptial just over nite. surgery was @8am was home by 4pm the next day. no COMPLICATIONS

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

None at all.

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 soo excited and ready for this new life

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

I am 1 week post op, being home is kinda shakey by that ur family still eats regular food and it still smells good. But I told that I don't want them to change their way if they out that it is ok. It is really helping me. And I still have to cook dinner for them as well.

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

10 mins or so. not far 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.

I am still on liquids, but things can still be too sweet even crystal lite I have to add more water.

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

I have been walking and I have to say I am ready for more I don;t want to flabby

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

chewable multi, chewable calcium w/D, Iron, and sublingal B12

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?

I have always had issues with my hair thinning so I take a Biotin 5000 daily but that was before wls.

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

the 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery. I got soo tried of soup.

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

My family is the best. I am going to attend local group meeting.

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

I have 6 little incisions just what Dr. Lowe told me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none at this time

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no at this time