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

My friend and i talked to many people that had it done with much success.

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

My insurance company approved it first time. Did not have any trouble.

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

Write done all of your fears and questions and dont be afraid to ask your dr. about any of them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My sugar was out of control and i was headed for insulin.

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 was terrified. My aunt died for complications from the surgery. It is all worth it in the end.

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 aunt died from the surgery the same day i was to have mine done. My family begged me not to have it done. But i went through with it for me. They are glad for me now and glad that i did it. My husband is very supportive.

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

At first they said that they could not give me time off because they considered it cosmetic. But they did finally give me time off. I was off for 7 weeks.

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

I was in the hospital for 9 days because of internal bleeding and another surgery 24 hours after my first one.

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

Yes!! Internal bleeding and a hernia 1 yr. after my surgery. alot of vomiting

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 felt a lot of depession after my surgery. Mad that i cant eat what i wanted to eat and people around me could.

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

I was very sick. Vomited a lot.

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

around 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.

I could not eat any meat at first, when i was allowed to eat it. It hurt. I still cant eat bread almost 18 months later. Milk makes me vomit even skim milk.

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

made my self get up and walk but did not want to.

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?

Lots of nausia, hair loss but it grew back

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

having to go back in surgery24 hours after my first one for internal bleeding

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

none but looking

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

long but cant see it alot. yes

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i have lost 102 lbs. and not losing any more. within my range though

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!!But why? I am the same person just smaller.