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

I thought cool this is the "magic" pill I need. It took me 5 years of hard thinking before I went forward.

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

I had no problems what so ever.

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

My meeting went fine I asked alot of questions,my surgeon also had gastric bypass so he knew the struggles I had and the constant fighting with one self.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I sat down with my husband and had a very long talk with him and alot of honesty, that I didn't want to hear but needed to.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the realize lap band because I still have to do the work and I wanted to learn how to eat, I needed that extra help to get me to where I can finally say I am winning this battle

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 no fears

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 very supportive with my decision I wouldn't change a thing.

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

I was out of work for 10 days, I had no problems

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

It was intersting go ing to my first meeting it was helpful 'cause I meet people like me who can talk about being fat and now skinny, where no one hid themself

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

I went in on a Thursday and went home on Friday.

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

I got sick after surgery I dry heaved all day thursday. Was not a happy camper that day.

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 no anxiety, I feel great.

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

Take it easy, let your body heal take that week vaction on the couch and curl up with a good book or movie.

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

45 min.

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.

No soda or bread. I had to eat alot of yogurt before and after surgery. Alot of protein which is key in any diet

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

Nothing for the first couple of weeks. After 1 month I am more active then I ever have been.

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

Mult-Vit., Calicum, Iron, Anti-Ox

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 and had no side effects

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

It was all good for me

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

I go to my monthly meeting at the hosp. And of course my support system at home has helped more then I can say.

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

I have 6 scars, the lonest one is a 1-2 inch long. They don't bother me and I expected to have them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No