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

My sister decided to have it done. I was scared for her at first. Then the more i thought about it I said this might be the answer for me.

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

My insurance company it took about 30 days.

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

IT was good and I was alittle nervous i just wanted to know all about this surgery

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to be there for my girls to watch them grow up and play with them.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had to have it open because thats what my doctor did.

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 and not seeing my little girls growing up. I would telll someone to put your life in goods hands.

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

My stay at the hospital wasnt nothing to brag about. I mean i had to share a room with a older lady. She had company till late hours she kepted the light on. Her family acted like they didnt want me to share the restroom. I was in there3 nights.

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

I can say I didnt have any major 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 wasnt nervous i was more excited to get it done.

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

MY first weeks home were ok. MY back hurt some and was nausa alittle. Others should expect to take it easy.

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

I traveled about 45 minutes away not bad.

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

Things were kinda slow. when i went back to work after 6 weeks I still have to be on light duty for 4 weeks because of the heavy lifting.

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

I take flinston, iron , a b 12 , and biotan.

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?

the hair loss its been 6 months and i still have some of that. i am coping with it.

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

My family is a big help. In my town we have started a support group that meets once and month and thats great.

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

Its not all that bad. I knew it would be like this.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really but, I think my husband does hes more like a jeolous type.