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

I was engaged to someone (not my current husband) 8 years ago who had the procedure - at time I was only about 50 pounds over ideal

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

I was denied once and had to appeal, fortunately my Doctor )Dr Marema) spoke with the Medical Director, who then required a sleep study and an endocrinologist consult, once they were completed he approved me.

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

Very informative, I remember crying when I saw the doctor and his staffs pre-op pictures and the difference in them the surgery made

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had just had enough frustation, exhaustion and embarrassment

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I worked for the doctor who had not performed this procedure yet laparoscopically and I had absolute trust in him so I volunteered to be the first. I have not one regret

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 none- I was ready and knew that the complications I was currently having were not ones I wanted to continue with

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?

50/50, half of them thought I was foolish and taking "the easy way out" and the other half were very supportive. The important thing is that I was doing it for me and noone else

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

he was my doctor

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

My stay was great - I had 2 nurses who were wonderful and I went home 20 hours after coming out of surgery. I took everything that had been recommended but didnt need much of it. I do recommend some good smelling some and lotions they made me feel good

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

None at all!!!

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 got approved 2 days before surgery so didnt really have time for anxiety

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

First week weight loss is usually at highest and becasue of this I had no energy! Second week was better! Also, anesthesia leaves an after taste for a few weeks - no matter what you eat the after taste is the same (pasty and like garlic) Glad that part is over!

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

42 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.

Only 2 weeks postop, currently on protein only and only 2-3 tablespoons at a time. No RED MEAT allowed yet. I'm doing fine with it.

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

The first week I was weak - light headed and dizzy - Dr said it was because I lost 19 POUNDS in first week! Second week (which is now) my energy level has increased - havent had 2nd week weigh in yet to see how weight loss has slowed if any.

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

None for first 3 weeks

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?

have only had problem with sleep disturbance and that was because I had a gastro tube and 2 drainage tubes in when came home - now they are out and sleep is fine.

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

Waiting for the insurance approval!!!!!!!!

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

Dr Marema (Ft Laud, Fl) has 2 support Group meetings a month, also EVERY staff member including Doctor have had the surgery and are always available for questions.

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

I had procedure done laproscopic, I have 6 scars about 3/4 inch and 1 about 2-3 inches. Playing with my cat leaves worse scars!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!! Only 2 weeks postop and lost 20+ pounds, my daughter (15) keeps complimenting (never before) and people I know instantly see a difference and mention it.