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

I heard about the surgery from a friend who had the surgery. I went to a meeting and learned all about it. Did some reseach on the internet. I thought this is a great tool to get me on the right track. I could not wait to have it done.

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

I had no problems with insurance. It was fully covered. I have Blue Cross Coast to Coast.

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

I love my surgeon Dr Pohl. He was very understanding. He explained the whole surgery what to expect. He explained how this is a life change. To get the most out of this meeting make a list of all the question you have. Take someone with you just in case you forget to ask something they might ask it. And you need a good support person.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Going to the support group listen to other peoples experince really help me make my decition to have this surgery. plus I have great support from my family and friends

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spoke to the doctor and went with what one was best for me.

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?

my biggest fear was dying. I have 2 small children. I prayed alot I thought I rather take this small risk live a longer healther life than slowly die from the side effects of over eatting. This is a personal decition for everyone you just need to think about it long and hard pray and the answer will come to you. you need to do it for your self nobody else.

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 family was and is very supportive of my desision. I could not have done it with out all there support.

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

I had surgery on a friday I came home on monday. I didn't bring anything I just rested. I knew I had to go home to children so I enjoyed the quiet why I had it.

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

I had no complications.

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 tied after the surgery. It took me about 6 weeks to feel real good. I toke it one day at a time.

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

I was tied, I had a hard time sleeping, but each day it got better.

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 started out on the protein shakes. Than I ate chicken ground up that went down well. any kind of carbs at first I could not tolerate. by week 6 I was eating some cooked veggies soft fruits. I try to eat mostly protiens and veggies. I am 4.5 months I can eat almost everything. some carbs bother me chinese food I can not eat it makes me dump. some sweets make me dump.

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

two weeks after surger I started walking alittle each day. Slowly I work up to walking 3 miles 4 times a week . I joined a gym and work out 4 times a week. when I don't go to the gym I walk. I try to get some kind of activity in evey day.

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

I take a multi vitamin every 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 have had some dumping. It keeps me on the right track.

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

The first two weeks after surgery were the worst. your so tied you think that it will never get better but it does.

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

I go to the support group meeting that are held once a month. I think these are very helpful. you can listen to other people tell there stories and learn from them. you can ask question and you know that your not alone in this journey.

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

I had open not lap so I have a long scar from under my breast to my belly button. I was told that I might have to have open because of scar tissue from a prevouse surgery. I am ok with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I went three weeks with out losing weight. I got a little depressed. but I keep up my exercise. Talk to people in the support group and found out that alot of people go through a plateau just keep up the good work. and it will come off.