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

I seen it on various news shows, and thought, I wonder if I could get approved for that? I felt is can be a wonderful tool.

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

Be prepared. I went in to my surgeon's office with everything and then some. I even included a personal letter to the surgeon (to submit) including my diet history and feeling about surgery and what I expected out of it and what I knew I had to put inot it. I wanted everyone to know that I fully understood what I needed to do and that I was of sound mind.

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

My first visit was wonderful. he said I was a good candidate and I thought he seemed assure of himself and professional.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The mirror and how I felt each day, worn out and defeated.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had no choice, the surgeon only did the open RNY

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 have alot of fears, but my biggest is living like this the rest of my life because this is NOT living.

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?

Everyone seemed supportive, maybe a bit nervous, but none the less, they were good about it. My boyfriend and my best friend were the greatest about it, allowing me to chat about it constantly.

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 supportive also. I am expecting to be out of work for about four weeks, with no complications.

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

My hospital stay went quite well, although I was glad to go home. I had a little problem on my second night night, I rang for assistance for two hours before anyone came to the room to assist me. That was the only problem I encountered. The most important thing to bring is slippers and some extra pillows.

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

No complications!

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 anxious and I started forgetting things that I usually do not forget.

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

The first week home was the roughest, but it was tolerable with pain meds. Everyday got easier and easier and now I am almost three weeks out and feel terrific.

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

15 minutes

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.

The first week, not much agreed besides sugar free popsicles and fudglies, but after that I have been able to eat anything as long as I chewed well.

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

The first week after surgery, all I did was walk around as much as I could. After my 10 day visit, I started bike riding, and love it.

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

Multi-complete vitamin

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 had none of these.

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

After day five post-op, I literally felt like I was starving. But it passed and now I feel full AND satisfied.

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

I use a yahoo support group online and go locally once a month

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

Not that bad, about 5 inches, and is getting lighter in color

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am holding now, 6 weeks out at about 25 pounds, but I am starting to exercise more so I should see more results. I have lost inches too.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO