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

I first heard about the surgery found a lady at a yard sale whom had the surgery. I thought that would never be me. I was scared of what may happened to me and that my insurance would never pay for it.

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

My experience was great. I had no problem it was the easiest thing I had to do about the whole thing.

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

My first visit was a good one. I was lucky enough to have worked with a lady whom had the surgery just three months before me. She was great to talk to. People should ask as many questions as you can. Go online and read what other people have writen it will help you to think of questions about yourself

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My children and the fact I lost two very important people in my life in the last two years and I have learned that life is too short to suffer. Enjoy life to the fullest.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It just so happens the doctor I went to only does one type.

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 was scared that I would die. But you know if I had not done anything I could had die anyway from being too big. Just do it! What you have to lose. One way or other all of our time will be done soon enough. Why not try to be skin just once before you go.

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?

All of my family was scared for me. They all wished that I did not have to go though something like this. But they did understand. After the surgery and they know I was fine, they are now very happy for me. My husband had be the best tought all of this.

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

They were very understanding. Well unfortunatly I was laid off just one week before my surgery. They did try to help by covering my insurane till after my surgery.

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 o.k. The nurses were great and very helpful. I was in the hospital from Tuesday till Friday afternoon. Bring what ever makes you feel comfortable.

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

NO.

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 in a little discomfort and very tired alot. I finally felt like myself at about 4 weeks out. I tried to stay busy with something when I felt anxiety.

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

You are uncomfortable and tired. Let people help you out alot. My first few weeks were not the normal, I had to help out with my Grandmother and take her to doctors.

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

I only went about 20 mintues from home.

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 could eat mashed potatoes and yogurt. Sometimes eggs. Eggs still 5 weeks later sit heavy. I did try to eat the topping of a pizza and had very bad gas. I was scared to eat so I stuck with foods the doctor or hospital told me I could eat.

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

Activity level was low. I did how ever walk the whole grocery store at one week out. But I did have to walk slow. My stomach would feel sore.

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

All the one my doctor told me to take. I do how ever have a hard time doing two protein drinks. It also toke me a couple of weeks to find a protein drink I liked or did not make me feel sick.

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 had none of these thing. Thank God.

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

Waking up and having a tube in my nose for 24 hours.

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

Right now all I do is talk with one of my friends who had the surgery before me. If it was not for her I would be crazy by now.

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

My scar is a little pink and is raised a little. I never really tought about what my scar would look like.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far none.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My mother tries not to eat somethings in front of me, but that does not bug me. What bugs me is she keeps saying "I will not get that because I will not eat that in front of you." And sometimes my husband forgets that I can't eat the way or the things I used to.