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

I found out about it from my nurse practitioner/primary care physician. I thought it sounded a bit drastic, but the more I thought and learned about it, I thought, "Weighing 320 lbs. is drastic too!"

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

I knew there was a reason I've been with Harvard Pilgrim/Vanguard for 20 years! They've been GREAT!

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

The first meeting can be VERY beneficial for both parties. The surgeon wants to know everything about you from your family history to any past/present eating disorders. I think that if there are support group meetings, potential and past patients need to attend them. It gives people the chance to realize they are not alone and that there are people out there with stories to tell and support to give.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I know this will sound strange, but I made up my mind the morning I woke up from a dream where I was biking with my daughter - I almost didn't recognize myself - it's been that long since I've been at a "normal" weight!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided 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?

Yes, there always risks from surgery, but your also running health risks by being obese. Each person has to make the decision for his/her self.

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?

My Mom is all for it, a little nervous but stands behind me 100%. My husband is having a hard time with it. I think he's very nervous about the procedure itself but won't say anything so he won't scare me. He tells me he understands why I'm doing it. People I work with think it's a drastic decision - but they don't weigh 320 lbs. either! I'm very excited about it and I guess it shows, because people are starting to ask me questions about the actual procedure and what it will mean to my life afterwards.

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

My supervisor in particular doesn't understand why I would subject myself to surgery when it "isn't necessary". I'll be taking four weeks of vacation and sick time to do this. I realize it isn't convenient for my office for me to be out that long, but my supervisor never made me feel like I shouldn't do it because it will be inconvenient for the recovery time that I'll need away from the office.

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

Once a month Dr. Randall has a support group meeting. I have found that these meetings were very informative before surgery. Now that I'm seven months post-op, I find it exciting that I can answer questions of those still waiting for theirs. I've given out my phone number to at least 10-15 people who have called after the meetings with more questions.

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

It's fading nicely, but was bigger than I thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well, it's been seven months since surgery and I've lost 120 pounds now. I can't seem to get below the 200 pound mark. Let's be real - I have not even started working out yet. Now that the New Year is here, Tae Bo and Billy Blanks had better watch out!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Totally. I've been up and down drastically on the scale for all my life. I didn't even realize how invisible I had become with all that weight on for the past nine years. It feels great to get compliments from people I work with about how great I look. I'm not sure though if its people treating me differently or if its the way I feel about myself that I haven't felt in almost ten years!