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

I heard about it on the news and was excited about it but didnt think I would qualify through insurance.

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

My insurance approved my on my first attempt. If denied, see if ther is an approval commite that can help you get aproved.

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

I was nervous but my surgen was very pleasent and explained everystep with me. Never at any time did any onre make me feel ashamed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After seeing the results with a few people I knew I was certain it was 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?

I felt sure I wouldnt die but had thoughts about it. I just went foward hopeing I would be ok.

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?

very suportive

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

I was there 2 days. I was very sore, but I knew I would be. I stayed positive and knew there was a healing process. I would highly recomend patients bring a grabber that can be bought a the pharmacy by the cruches,wheelchairs and other assories. It helped me with pulling up my underware and sweat pants. And when I got home, It helped with picking up after the kids.

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

no

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 stayed possitive and read all i could find on the surgery.

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

Dont over do it. Expect a healing process.

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

1 hour

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.

after surgery, I only ate soft foods, I didnt eat much meat because I didnt like it mushey. Weeks after I would try little amounts of different foods to see how I would tolerate them. I did find that I didnt feel like eating most of the time. Months after, I was still eating more soft foods than not so I wouldnt get the food stuck. Bread was still a no-no unless toasted. Rice didnt do well either. but pasta and veggies well cooked were great. Now almost a year later, I can eat anything without getting it stuck but chewing well. Sugary foods like Ice cream I cannot tolerate unless it is a small amount.One cookie or a ice pop are ok but more than that and I feel the dumping.

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

The first week was the worst but went up hill from there.I have two children under 4 so I was up and about more than most and as soon as I was able and got the ok from the doctor, I was walking around the neighborhood.

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

Calcium, multivitimins, b-12, iron.

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 felt the worst after drinking the protien drinks, I tried every type out there and would get nausia everytime. After three months, I stopped the protien drinks. I had hair loss but there are plenty of products out there to help. I also cut my hair to a short style.

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

The protien drinks

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

I know a few people who had the surgery and go to monthly meetings when I can and go to the web site alot

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

much smaller than most. it is just under 2 inches. I am very lucky. I use vitimin e gel capsules, push a needle into the vit-e and spread the oil on the scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am experiencing my longest plateau now, it has been 6 weeks, however I am at my goal weight of 175, now I am trying to reach 160.Other plateaus were only a week or two but then 5 lbs would come off in two days

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes