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

My daughter Mother in law.At frist I did not care then my health got worse so I read the the book she gave me.

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

I went to the seminar on Nov. 24 2010 had the approvel on March 30 2011 had surgery on April 14 20011.

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

My frist meet was great he answer all my guestions.I went with a list of questions if they wont take the time to answer then find a new surgeon

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I talk to my daughter and talk to my family Dr.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I read everything I culd find found this site and read what other people had to say.

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 did not have any fears of the surgery my Dr. answer everything and I was able too call if I had any fears they were great.

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 my support they were there at all my appt.they went to the seminar with me.My daughters are my rock they help me keep on track they work out with me I call them my battle buddies.

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

I belive every one needs to do the seminar that is were I meet the Dr. that did my surgery it is where i made the decision to go for it.

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

I had the best stay the staff new how to take care of me.I only had to stay 1 night.The most inportant thing to bring is your black folder it has everything you need to know.

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

I had no problems after surgery 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 on cloud 9 I was so happy than I was scare did I make the right choice did I take the easy way out.I was so glad my daughters were ther to talk to they kept me ground.

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

I was very sore I had very little wanting for food had to remind myself to drink I used a timer so I did not for get. I started to walk in the house the more I moved the better I felt.you will be sore but the more you move the better you feel.

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

I travle about 11/2 hours away.This did not affect my care at all I seen the everyone on the same day.they keep in me up todate by online.

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 do not eat pasta,rice or bread all meat must be moist.I can not eat anything with more than 5 grams of surgar it cause me to dump.I do not like anything that is sweet. I love fresh veggie and fresh cheese.I can not stand the smell of coke or any soft drink.

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

The first 6 weeks I walked than I started to swimming it was hard at frist I had to push myself but it made me feel better.

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

mult vitamins,calcum,B-12,iron, Vit-D,compleat B vitamin,botin

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 only had 1 bout with dumping after eating yourget with 7 grams of sugar I now read all lables no more than 5 grams of sugar.

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

The waiting for my surgery date.

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

I go to a group meeting every month

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

My scar is very small.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no they ask me about my weight lose