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

I had a neighbor in the 70's that had died from the surgery. Many years later I worked with two woman that had the surgery.

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

This process was completed entirely by the BTC staff.

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

My surgeon was very compassionate. I felt extremely validated and comfortable.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to avoid embarrassing my children.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the surgeon's decision.

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?

I was scared, but I believe that we are always connected. My husband was much more worried.

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 very supportive, but my husband's was quietly against it. Now, everyone is behind me.

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

I was out of work for 8 weeks. I worked with babies and I was not able to go back until I was healed. I felt better after 2 weeks though.

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

Not really.

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 was fine as long as I chewed very well. It was scary to get food "stuck".

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

I took advantage of the quiet times. My kids were in school and my husband worked nights. I always had help, but they allowed me to rest.

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

5 miles

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

Online support. They are there when I need them.

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

The steristrips that stayed on left very little scarring. I wish I would have left them on longer.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Many plateaus, but I did not let them bother me. I was just happy with my losses.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am no longer invisible. I am not sure how I feel about this. I am still hurt by how I was treated previously.