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

From a Co worker and I was skeptical at first until I saw his results

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

My process was very easy. I started the process in July and had a surgery date by August. Just be patient!

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

I was very nervous. Happy when he approved me but also embarrassed that I actually got approved

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I almost had a stroke at 27

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't want to lose as fast with the bypass and I wanted to be able to eat normal just in small amounts

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 nervous about getting the anesthesia. Just relax and pray about it and God will see you thru

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?

I only told a few people. My mother and father and my best friend and of course my hubby. They were nervous but very supportive my parents said don't do it at first for fear of complications but once I explained the procedure and showed them a video of the surgery they were fine.

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

I was out of work for a month. My employer was excited and gushes over me every time she sees me now

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was excited and my best friend went with me. It was very informative and got to meet alt of new people

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

I was there for 3 days. I vriught everything but I didn't use any of it lol

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

Developed gall stones from the rapid weight loss which is normal from any rapid weightloss and just had it removed a week ago today. Other than that I had no issues

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 eager to start losing lol

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

Expect to be very weak and try not to do to much

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

Not far lol down the Street

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 cud only have 3 protein shake and 2 cups of salad per day 2 yogurts and 1 jello sugar free everything and Lite dressing for two weeks

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

Light

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

Multi vitamin, biotin and a stool softener

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?

None

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

There haven't been any worst parts for me. I would do it again tomorrow

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

Vertical sleeve talk website

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

Very small dark colored but worth it

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I stalled for 3weeks about 3 months after my surgery and it drove me crazy but I got through it and so will you! But I do understand

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I get alot more attention from men and my hubby has been a saint! Lol