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

I can't remember when I first heard about it. But I was very nervous about it. The whole idea of cutting up any of my internal organs petrified me! But about 5 years ago my kids grandma got the bipass. I seen what she had to go through. I was curious but I still believed I could do it on my own. It just seemed very drastic! But within them five years Icouldnt do it on my own. I went to a seminar and heard about the less evasive gastric sleeve. I found a surgeon and talked to her and she agreed that for me with my medical history the gasteric sleeve would be best

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

I'm in this stage now.

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

Wonderful! She has a wonderful bedside manor! She's very caring and understanding but she gives you the truth and nothing but the truth! She answered all of my questions. She really set my mind at ease. She made me feel so comfortable about the decision I made. I would tell anyone looking for a surgeon, find one that makes you feel comfortable. This is a very emotional time for you. You need someone who is gonna make you feel at ease with your decision. Not one that makes you feel bad for being in this position in the first place.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My body. I was having trouble breathing and standing up straight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Sleeve Gastrectomy

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?

The normal fears I have are of course dying. But I'm killing myself slowly by living like this. I was scared that if I ate solid food too soon hat my stomach was gonna explode! Lol but the nutritionist already told me no that won't happen. I'm gonna just do everything the surgeou tells me to do. That's the advice I give to anyone. Listen to the doctors

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?

They are very supportive of my decision

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

I'm not working

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

its very informative! They go through everything and every possible thing that could happen

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

I haven't had my surgery yet

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

Ihavent had my surgery yet

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 haven't had my surgery yeti

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

Ihavent had my surgery yet

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

It takes about 30 minutes to get there

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.

Ihavent had my surgery yet

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

I haven't had my surgery yet

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

I haven't had my surgery yet

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 haven't had my surgery yet

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

Ihavent had my surgery yet

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

I haven't had my surgery yet

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

Ihavent had my surgery yet

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had my surgery yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I haven't had my surgery yet