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

I saw a commercial for Dr. Leport and it was associated with a reputable hospital. The orientation explained the procedure and aftercare and gave you the opportunity to ask questions.

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

If you have ever been to a weight loss clinic, go get a copy of your records as it could help sway the insurance companies decision.

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

Be sure to write down all of your questions ahead of time. The surgeon has done so many consultations that they will cover most of your concerns.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not lose the amount of weight that I had to lose without help. I did not want to take pills because they are so dangerous.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted to have the proceedure that the surgeons have done the most of. One large scar to six small scars did not seem to be enough of a reason to go with the laporscopic.

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 did have fears of dying. I finally decided that if it was my time to go, it would not matter if I had surgery or if I was driving my car and got into a fatal accident.

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?

Everyone was happy for me and very supportive. I reassured everyone of the risks and all of the positives.

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

My supervisor was really happy and supportive towards me. I took two weeks off and everyone at work has been really supportive.

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

The hospital stay was great. What a great staff! I was there 5 days and I would not worry about bringing anything important. You will not want to do anything!

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?

I was really excited. I was not nervous. I wanted to get my new life up and going.

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

Do not try and do too much. Just do what the doctor says. You will have a healthier result.

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

The hospital was about 20 minutes away.

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.

Cold water was hard at first. Milk is not easily tolerated and some red sauces. Other than that, I have not had any problems.

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

I am 300% more active! I pick an activity each day and do it. I have a lot of energy now.

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

childrens muti vitamins, tums, and B12.

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?

My only problem is hair loss. It started about 3 months after surgery. I am losing quite a bit of hair per day. I am hoping it will end soon.

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

I was really tired after surgery.

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

I have not attended one yet.

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

My scar is about 4 inches. It is healing very well. The scar lightens more and more each day. It was better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are very complimentary. I will need to deal with the fact that it is human nature to appreciate good looking people and not to take it personally.