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

well, about four years ago one of my good friends mothers had the surgry. Then my friend had it. They said it did take some adjusting to it. But they both seemed to be a lot happier.

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

Well, it took a long time to get through all the testing before it was sent to my insurance. But it was approved with in the month the insurance recived it. I had my date the day it was approved for one week later.

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

ASK QUESTIONS????? Lots of them. This is a big step. It is so worth it. My surgeon was so nice. He just made me feel so comfortable.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I got laid off from my job. I had full insurance through the company. And a nice severancy package. And a knew it worked for my friend and her mother. I had been wanting it for the last few years. But my (old) insurance would not cover it before. I did not want to take the time off work. So when I got laid off, I thoguht it was the perfect time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That was easy I went to the surgeon that my friend and her mother went to

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?

Yes there are fears. But I think the mos importain thnink is that you have to trust and feel comfortable with your surgon.

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 mom was all for me having the surgery. My Boyfriend did not want me to have the surgery. He was scared he was going to lose me. But after the suregry was over he was such a help. and so was my mom

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

I just excepted my postion the same day I got the call about my surgery. So I went and told her. she was very happy for me. And wished me the best. So I only worked for a week and then went in to surgery and still had the job when I returned.

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

The stay in the hostipal was not that good. I ended up on the second day. With a fever of 104. But Besides the second day. It was ok

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

Well, My insion did not close all the way for 2.5 months. There was just a small hole. But it was big enough to have to pack it with gause every 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 found out that I was going to have the surgry one week before. I was very lucky I did not have long to wait.

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

It was hard to get up and down. Realy I was so worried about the staples coming out.

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

It was over 45 minute drive back and forth to the hostipal and the doctor's office.

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.

It seemed like I was not going to be able to eat anything at first. But I really did not mind because I was not hunrgy. At first I had lots and lots of protien drink.

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

The frist few days I just walked around the house. Within the 2nd week I was taking long walks around the neighborhood.

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

At first I was taking Flistones. Now I am taking GNC Ultramaga

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 not vomited once. I do have a little nausia, Only if I eat to fast.

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

My very high temp.

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

I just see the doctor evry three months. It is to far away for me to go for the group meetings. And plus I can not get off work.

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

I knew my scar would be big. But the doctor said it is the smallest one he has ever seen.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Evey one just can not belive how much weight I have lost already. They are just so happy for me