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

One of my Dr.'s talked to me about it. I about freaked out when she mentioned it. I remember telling her that if I had the surgery I wouldn't survive. It was maybe 1 year later that I remembered that conversation and started thinking about.

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

At first the insurance company okayed everything - kind of like a no brainer. Then less then a week before the surgery they said they needed more information. Finally less then 24 hours before i was suposed to have surgery - they denied it and cancled the surgery. I had to wait another 2 1/2 months before they finally approved the surgery. My advice - keep pushing the insurance company. Stay on top of them and your Dr's office and make sure everything is in order.

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

My first impression was okay. Nothing really stood out, I had done a lot of my own research so i didn't have a lot of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight ballooned to 399 lbs. I was petrified to reach the 400 mark. My health was declining pretty quickly too. I was just surviving each day - I wasn't able to really live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I orginally went for the lap-band but was told my BMI was too high. I had not heard of the VSG untill the informational meeting. I liked the fact my intestines would not be rerouted.

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?

There is always fear with any surgery. I understood the risks and made the choice that the outcome was more important then the risks. If you have fear, it is okay - everyone does. It is more on how you are going to handle them. Are you going to let them rule you or are you going to take control?

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 friends were very supportive of me. I had only told one brother I was having the surgery and he was also very excited for me. Everyone is very supportive of me and are keeping a close eye on me.

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

My employer was very supportive. They understood my reasons and were more then happy to help me with what I needed. I took 4 weeks off work. I more needed the time for mental recovery then physical recovery.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. My stay was actually great. The nursing staff and PCA's were great!

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

The only real problem I had was nausea/vomiting. THey gave me some meds for that and I was fine.

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 felt good after surgery. Didn't have any real anxiety. But I had time already set up with my counselor to work through anything that came up.

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

I was doing really good after surgery. I had no pain or complications.

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

The hospital was able 3 miles from my home.

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

I attend a bariatric support group. It is very important to me and helpfull. We have people at all different stages and it is very encourraging.

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

I have only 2 scars and they are great. Smaller then I imagined.