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

I initially was looking into lapband, but my surgeon recommended the gastric bypass

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

I was lucky in that I have excellent insurance, but the best advice I can give is plan ahead and be patient. I had to complete 6 months of documented weight loss attempts, psychological clearance. It actually went by faster than I expected because there is so much to learn in that time

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

I asked alot of questions and asked what he recommended based on his experiences! I would say write down all your questions, research a bit, and be prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health ultimately. Yes I want to look better but mostly I want to feel better! I am a single mom and still semi-young, LOL. I want to be the best I can be but have always struggled with weight loss in traditional ways.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Originally, I wanted the lapband because it was less invasive and reversible but after receiving my surgeon's recommendation to do gastric bypass, I researched and found the long term success rate was much higher for gastric bypass. Many of the lifestyle changes and diet are the same.

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 am at the fear stage now! I am terrified of complications but am trying to educate myself. I am afraid of dying and I know some of my life choices (smoking) has increased my odds of potential problems. I'm sitting here in the middle of the night now trying to find peace! The best advice I can give is educate yourself and be realistic. Plan for the worst and hope for the best!

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?

Mixed reactions. Some are supportive, others think it's not necessary. I am definently concerned with the support aspect, but will just have to count on those who are and ignore the nay-sayers.

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

I work for the government so I had accrued sick leave I could use. I applied for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act. I expect to be out of work between 3-5 weeks.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

My information seminar was both eye opening and intimidating!!! It was alot of information to absorb.

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

I'm preparing for a one night overnight stay. May be two days. I'm packing a robe, heating pad, chapstick, slipper socks, slide on shoes, personal hygiene.

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

Unknown, but hope not!

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 have been stressing nonstop since I got my surgery date. I'm excited but scared.

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

Unknown

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

Surgeon and hospital about an hour and half away

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.

2 week liquid protein diet pre-op.....tears and all! The rest is unknown as of now

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

Unknown

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

Multivitamin, calcium, iron, B-12

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?

Unknown

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

Unknown

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

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

N/A

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

N/A

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

N/A