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

I've known about surgery for some time, but did not consider it because I felt that was admitting failure. Now I feel like I am being pro-active about my health and that this is how I will succeed in being healthy

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

I had not problem with my insurance company. The surgeon wrote to them and they approved it.

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

I was nervous, but I did have my list of questions ready. My surgeon was very patient and took time to be sure that he answered my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I guess I decided that I wanted to live life and not be stuck inside a big body that limited my participation in life. Over the past several years, I have gained and lost, but mostly gained weight. I'm tired of being tired.

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

I told my employer that I am having surgery, but not what type of surgery. I don't believe it is any of their business, and I don't want to hear all the talk it would generate

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

My stay was uncomfortable. I had surgery on Tuesday and went home on Friday. I didn't feel that the level of care was adequate at times. Some nurses were wonderful and others completely ignored me. The most useful tool in the hospital was a back scratcher. I was itchy from an allergic reaction and since I couldn't move easily the back scratcher helped me reach my legs and back.

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

So far I haven't had any complications from the surgery. I am three weeks post op so I don't anticipate any now.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The first few days after surgery I really felt I had made a mistake and wondered what I had done to myself. I am feeling better now but am still on only liquids so I am hoping to feel better once I can try solid foods.

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

The first few weeks are tough. I was very uncomfortable and had trouble with taking in enough liquids. I hate the Carnation Instant Breakfast and could almost vomit every time I have to drink it. I didn't have a lot of pain after about 10 days and stopped using the pain medications which was making me feel bad.

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

The hospital is only about 5 miles from my house.

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

I am taking a multible vitamin (chewable) and two tums each day for calcium

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

I was in an after care program for 12 weeks that met once a week. It was very helpful and important in pacing yourself and eating habit changes

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

My scar is minimal except that I have a small hernia

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, very much so.