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

My pcp doctor who is apart of the Baylor network referred me to Baylor weight loss center of Dallas. When I arrived I was so nervous because I had heard some really bad stories about the surgery but I was in need of help to loss the weight.

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

To be honest I didn't have to do anything with my insurance, Baylor had someone who took care of all the paperwork. There were certain things that were required before they could get the approval like seeing a nutristionist and I had already did that.

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

It was great, he was very informative he took out time to explain everything that I had doubts and fears about. I went online and got as much information as I possibe could and from that information I came up a lot of questions that I was going to ask my doctor. The amazing thing was he didn't have a problem with me reading this long list of questions off. And he was very patient with me, what I thought may have been dumb questions he answered and was very impressed with my research.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Prayers and I felt really comfortable with my doctor and the staff that would be responsible for my after care. The fear i had was gone.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Again my doctor helped me make the decision, he expalin the differences for each surgery and which one would benefit me the most.

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?

First I believe in prayer so those who pray should do that first and have a comfort with what they are about to do.Please know the doctor you are dealing with and feel comfortable with him. For me I felt if i got any bigger there was always that chance with all the major health risk that could or would occur from being overweight.

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 against it at first, but they knew that i had given it a lot of thought and they were very supportive.

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

Wasn t working.

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

Very informative. I was glad I attended. More information to help with making your decision.

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

I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. It was suppose to be 2, but I got a fever and my doctor wanted to make sure I wouldn't have to come back. But my stay was good. If you read bring books magazines to keep from being bored.

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

None

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After I got my surgery date I was excited, ready for the new me. I kept on exercising and that helped me cope with the anxiety.

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

They should expect to feel good but should take the time to rest and let their bodies heal properly. Moving too much too soon will cause problems. I experenced the worest gas that seemed to travel all over and nothing but walking helped.

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

Not far 3 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.

The first 2 wks I was still on the liquid diet, slwy introduce to solds