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

I had heard about it quite a few years ago, but never seriously looked into it until I saw a friend who had the surgery and the weight loss was miraculous.

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

Getting approved was a hassle. But do al they ask of you.

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

My meeting went very well. The doctor was very imformative, and helpful. The best advice I can give you is to write down any questions you may have, and make sure you ask them when you're with the doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Simply because I want to feel better.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't the surgeon did it for me....I just went along with it

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?

The fears are normal....Just put your faith in your surgeon and his OR staff....they'll get you through this....as far as the post-op issues....you won't even know it for a day or two anyway

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?

They were excited but at the same time they were nervous....They are my greatest support group....

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days....The stay was OK as far as hospital stays go....Just bring things to keep your mind occupied

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?

Things were much easier than I thought....It did get frustrating to have everyone ask, "Are you hungry?" or "Did you eat enough?" But they mean wel so You can deal with it....

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

The first few weeks will be the time that you won't want to even look at or smell food....so take that advantage and learn to sip that water....

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

Abbout 30 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.

Dr. Rehnke puts you on the soft diet as soon as you leave the hospital....he wants you stay away from all carbs for the first two months and then you can only have a few green vegetables.... Your tastes will change....and you will find that you can't stand the taste of some foods that you loved before crossing over.....

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

Slow at first but it quickly picks up

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

I take multivitamins, plus sublingual B-12, plus Super B-Complex

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 didn't have any side effects at all

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

Dr. Rehnkes Support is great, plus the online support pages help

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

My scar runs from just under my breast bone to about 1/2 inch above my navel....of course I expected that....plus I have a small circle where the drainage tube was at....

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not outside the family