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

It took me over 3 years to get insurance approval. My advice would be to NEVER give up. I was "borderline" on things like heart disease and diabetes. Finally I had a sleep study done and found out that I have a sleep disorder, that's what did it! That was my 3rd co-morbidity that got me approved. Your surgeons office will help you out with advice as to what you need to do. Listen to them. Don't give up, it is SOOO worth the fight.

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

It was exciting and scary at the same time. Don't be afraid to ask questions, ask a lot of them. There is a lot to learn about the different options you have. Take notes and even bring someone with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just knew that I wanted the surgery. I needed to do something to lose the weight. I wasn't happy or healthy. I wanted to be able to see my kids graduate, get married, have kids of their own.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked it over with the surgeon and we decided that the RNY was the best option 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?

Honestly, I don't even think that crossed my mind. I was so focused on what it was going to be like after, and how healthy I was going to be and how much better I would feel.

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?

The majority of my family was very supportive of my decision. Some thought I was being selfish, but I refused to let that bother me. I was thinking of myself and my future. I wanted to be sure that I had a longer future with my family. If that's being selfish, then so be it.

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

My supervisor was very happy for me. She knew how long and hard I had been fighting for this. I told them everything. I was so excited! I didn't really care who knew I was going to weightloss surgery. I mean think about it, they would wonder how I was losing all the weight so quickly anyhow.

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

It was very interesting and informative. I went to 3 or 4 of them at different hospitals. I wanted to be sure I was comfortable with where I was having it done. Yes, I was very glad I attended. They were very informative.

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

The stay in the hospital was fine. I was there just a few days. I would be sure to bring books or something.

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

I had no complications.

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

Get lots of rest. Do not lift anything. Be sure to take little walks now and then to help get rid of the gas.

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

I only had to go about 35 miles.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! It is so sad, but thin people do get treated a lot different then heavier people do. Men now hold the door open for me. That hardly ever happened before the surgery. My fiance keeps telling me that he notices guys looking at me all the time. I still have a very hard time believing that, but when he tells me, it sure make me smile!