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

I worked with a girl that had it done. My first impression was there has to be a better way.

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

Mt experience was easy. The doctor's office handled it all. Don't give up.

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

My first visit was informative. The surgeon explained the procedure to me & showed me pictures of what my stomach would look like after the surgery. Ask lots of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was going down hill.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only does one type of precedure.

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?

My only fear was there being a leak around the staples inside. No fears of dying. Trust in God to take care of you.

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 was excited about my decision. I would have communicated nothing different. My immediate and extended family is very supportive.

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

My employer was very supportive. I told him about the surgery & why I was having to have it. I was out of work 4 weeks.

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 relaxing. I as in ICU for 4 days. The most important things to bring is lotion & something comfortable to wear home.

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

No complications 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 very excited. I coped by reading up on the surgery & taking it one day at a time.

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

I was very depressed. I was wanting to get the surgery reversed. Expect not to be able to eat, get around well or even shower without pain.

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

I only traveled about 6 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.

I could east, tuna, ground up turkey and beef; canned chicken, potatoes mashed & yogurt. I couldn't eat toast & still have a few problems eith that. Chicken is my biggest problem now & I love chicken. I have gone from not being able to eat anything to eating pretty much what ever I want, just in small portions.

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

The first 6 to 12 weeks my activity level was low. I would get tired real easy.

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

I take tums & multivitamins every day. I also eat the atkins protein bars.

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 worse side effects for me are the vomiting & hair loss. I am still experiencing hair loss. I am having a hard time coping with the hair loss. I just keep telling myself, it will stop soon.

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

For myself it was doing it in the first place. Now, I am glad I did, but I wouldn't do it again.

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

I don't go to any aftercare or support groups. I go to my family for support.

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

My scar is about 7 inches long & is healing very well. Yes, my surgeon showed me waht it would look like, so I was prepared.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My first plateau experience happened about 1 month ago & lasted 3 weeks. I got very discouraged., but I just drank more water, walked a little more & watched my food intake real close.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, most especially men.