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

My uncle had it done, and I really wanted it done!

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

Not a problem!

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

It went really well! ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS! He was great!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Just so I could say hahahaha to all the people that ever teased me.....not really, but I wanted to live a normal life and have fun!

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 never had a one! I am way too excited!

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?

Well I was engaged, but he left me because he thought I would get skinny and leave him, plus he tried to control my life and that didn't happen! But most of the family was very supportive.....especially mom and dad and bro!

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

They were ok with it.......didn't tell em' details!

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

My stay in the hospital was great.....the staff was wonderfull! I went in on Wednesday morning and got out at noon on Saturday. Bring really comfy and loose clothes!

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

None.....everything went great!

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 very VERY excited.....I couldn't wait! I was NEVER nervous!

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

You will be sore....it's hard to move around, but the more you walk the better you feel and the more limber you will get! It is VERY IMPORTANT that you walk! Trust me it will feel good in the end! Take things slow and drink lots and lots of water!

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

It was a 5 hour drive for me. The doctor said if I had any problems to call him right away and then my first appointment/check up would be in one month!

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 ate alot of Orange Sugar Free jello and broth the first two weeks. Then I started on Cottage Cheese and soft foods. ABSOLUTELY NO CARBONATED BEVERAGES! Yes it was a downfall of mine.....it's still hard not to drink a dt. pepsi. Otherwise I can eat about anything now and I'm one month post op.

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

Not too much activity the first 4 days at home but then I started to move around more and felt better. I had to go back to my home (away from my mothers) a week and a half after being home because I couldn't stand being there anymore and I moved around like nothing had happened to me.....yes I still was sore, but not bad at all! Now I scoot all around without pain.

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

2 Flintstone Chewables and 4 Tums a day.

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 get light headed, but that is because I forget to drink lots of water! VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!! I have been vomiting but it is from foods that don't set good with me.....not from overeating. Take each day as it comes! Hang in there!

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

I loved to eat.....and now I can't eat hardly any food at all! hehehe But it will all be worth it in the end.....right!?!?! RIGHT!!!!!

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

I go to a local one that meets at the hospital in the town I live in! They are all really good! Very helpful and informative......they can relate to you like no one else!

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

I have four 1 inch scars under my breast line and 1 3 inch scar from my belly button up. Yeppers......they are scars but they are slowly disappearing!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm kind of stuck at 207 right now, but this summer I plan to take off those last 20 pounds I want gone and then plan to get the excess skin removed!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely........they treat me like a human again! I'm not the one being stared at constantly! I can actually turn a guys head these days!