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

My friend told me about it,and I was really interested about it.

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

I was so sure they were going to turn me down but I was approved in 24 hours.Dont worry,and always think positive.

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

I had lots of questions.I wrote all of them down,and my doctor answered everyone of them.If you have questions ask them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was going to lose weight,and feel great about myself.My life was going to change for the good.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor did not approve of the lap band.

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 had the thought of not wakeing up.I was very scared,but I was in great hands with my doctor,and I knew I was wakeing up and going to smile.Dont think negative.

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 so scared,and my kids cried,but I told them I was going to be ok.My family is so great,and very helpful.

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

I am self employed,but I was out for three weeks because of complications,and no one ever left myside.

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

My stay was good.I was in the hospital for 5 days.I was ready to go home.My doctor told me to leave everything at home just to bring myself.

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

Two weeks after my surgery I had internal bleeding.I was in the hospital for 6 days.I thought I was going to die.I was very depressed,and I missed my family so bad.I cried everyday.I had to be giving blood and i'vs.I had a i'v in my neck.It was so painful.

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 so excited,but nervous also.I counted down everyday.Ilooked up bypass everyday till my date was here.

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

I was so sick.I felt like staying in bed forever.It will get better.You dont want to eat or talk just sleep.

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

I traveled about 45 minute to get to the hospital,and didnt effect my afterare.I knew I had to go to my appointments.

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.

First your on clear liquids for the first 10 days then yo move to eggs,chichen,and seafood,but that gets old.I pretty much eat that now,and im in my 7 week.You cant have steak,hot dogs,rice,pasta,and bread.

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

I had no energy from being sick.It took 2 months before I was really moving.

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

I hate vitamins,but I have to take flinstone,and tums.also i take blood thinners every morning.Its a shot.

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 vomited twice after surgery,but that was because I drank water to fast,and my hair did fall out a little,but no one can tell.I did have internal bleeding that was bad.

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

My internal bleeding.I wish I didnt have the surgery now.

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

My aftercare is at washington hospital,and its very important that I go because I learn what to eat,and about protein.You also find out how you can gain it back.

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

I have 6 little cuts.Its not bad at all.I expected it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 31 pounds,and stopped.I dont eat much,but im really trying to eat protein.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I actually get kim is that you wow.Before I didnt get crap.