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

A co worker had had it. Then an Aunt had it.

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

Because of health and physical issues approval wasn't too difficult. That was in 2001 and more people were having it.

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

Dr. Chris Eagon was wonderful. He gave me hope and respect.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The need to be Healthy and Independent of others having to help me get dressed, etc.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I do not remember.

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 am a Christian and know that every surgery has risk. I believe God gave me this opportunity and took it.

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?

Most were very supportive.

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

Was not employed outside the home at the time.

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

Do not remember.

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

Hospital stay was good. Dr was amazing and staff were helpful. Don't remember how long I was there or what I brought.

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 knew it was for a Healthier me.

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

Nauseous and High Sensitivity to smell.

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

less then an hour. No affect.

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 was and still am Lactose intolerant. and too much sugar causes me to be sick.

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

As soon as I got approval I joined a women's gym. I couldn't do much but did what I could. As the weeks went on I could do more.

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

Multi, B12 Calcium, St Johns Wart, Cayenne Pepper, fish oil, magnesium, potassium, D3, Echinacea

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?

nausea only last for a few minutes when I have it which is still occasionally. Also when I get full my nose runs.

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

None

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

Mostly Online support

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

not much anymore and wasn't bad anyway

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At first I lost a dress size about every 2 weeks then it slowed down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

At first they did It has been a long time now.