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

My family doctors nurse had the surgery done over 8 years ago and she told me how it could possibly reverse my diabeties.

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

Anthem was great. My request was answered in 2 days.. I am sure they were aware of the money it would save them in the long run!

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

I was very pleased with Dr. Davenport and her staff. They were very informative and took the time to share info with my family as well. I felt more determined than ever that this surgery was going to be just what I needed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mother passed away in April of 2001, I had a dream where she came to me and said that I would know what it is like in 5 years. I knew that if I didn't change my life.. I owuldn't have one to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I listened to the advice of my Dr. I realized that the Lap was not the way to go for me. I needed them to be able to see everything wide open.

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 are risks involved with any surgery. There is a risk jsut waking up every morning.. but you have to decide for yourself if the surgery is right for you. Don't listen to other people that have never been overweight or sick.. they don't have a clue. Talk to people who have gon ethrough it.. get informed!

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 family was scared, so was I, but they were also aware how my health was declining. They were all on board and wonderful through everything. I have 3 children ages 23,17 and 5. They are still a wonderful support system and they brag on me all the time. And my husband has been my rock. He has been wonderful since the day I decided to have the surgery and has fed me, bathed me, changed me during the recovery time.. he is wonderful and I couldn't have gone through it without him!

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

The folks at Roanoke Memorial were great. They made me as comfy as possible. I was there about 6 days. Do Not take alot of stuff. It will just be a pain to deal with. Make sure you have something loose and easy to put on to wear home. It is too hard to get dressed.

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

I did loose my spleen in the process. I now have to take shots each year to prevent the Flu, Pnuemonia, Menningitis.. etc.. but in the past year.. I haven't been sick. I was home for a week with a 5 year who had the flu. I haven't had a fever in a year. It is awesome.. before surgery.. I was sick more than well.

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

It was a rough recovery.. I thought I would never feel better. The weight was dropping about a pound a day, but until I lst 50.. I couldn't really tell the difference..eating was tough.. I got tired of the same things and all liquid.. but after about 3 months.. I could eat almost anything.

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

I try to attend the support group meetings at the center in roanoke.. it has grown s much that they have had to schedule two meetings per month to split it up. I used to enjoy them more.. but the bigger it gets the worse it is. There are not many people there who have had the surgery. It seems like the Doctor's keep sending folks there that are curious about it and all anyone seems to want to know is what do you do to get insurance approved and how much have you lost? I guess it is a good thing.. but we breaking away into a smaller group in our local area. I think there will be more support that way.

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

My scar is not bad. I do not heal well and let Dr. Davenport know that. She actually used stitched instead of staples for me. It was wonderful.. she did them all internal.. nothing to remove.. it was jsut a small thin line.Of course she is mad a tme because I tell everyone that and she TOO many requests now. Staples are much faster for the surgeons, and she does her own work. she doesn't let anyone else close her patients.. She is awesome1

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been at a standstill for a month.. 170 and holding.. but I am glad to be rhere.. I don't want to loose anymore.. I would look ill. I am in a size 12 down from a 24 and very satisfied!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.. I have always been a very outgoing person.. so I will talk to anyone.. I still do that and they nly thing different is people I haven't seen in a while seem to stare because they have that look like they know me.. but really aren't sure.. sometimes I tell them.. sometimes not.. hee hee.