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

I learn about the surgery thru my sister.She has friends that went thru it and are doing really well with it.She knows I have struggle with my weight all my life and she told me about the surgery.I didn't know what to think about it and scare of surgeries due to the last one I had.Never want to go thru that again.Had alot of trouble and thought I wasn't never coming home.The more I thought about it and did research I said what the heck.I will lose this weight if it kills me.I was so deperate I finally call Dr.Smith office and made that first step.Got the binder and video.

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

My experience in getting approved was not good at first.They denied me but I didn't give up.I had every doctor writing letters and had my medical file copy and sent and within 3 days I was finally approved.My advice for anyone to get approved 'Don't give up'keep fighting and soon your insurance will give up and ok it.

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

My first visit with Dr.Smith was very pleasant and he was nice and quiet.At first I didn't get anything out of it cause I am quiet and shy.I really like him.I give all my trust to him and expecially to the Lord.If you have question just ask.He will be more than happy to answer them the best he can and tell you up front.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Just tired of having to carrying the weight around and my back and legs ache to bad.I work on my feet and after work it bothers me to bad and I want to get off of the c-pap machine.

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?

Any surgeries you have you are taking a chance to pull thru.You can die just having a baby.the other fears I would tell people just give it to the Lord and you will be ok.

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?

Some reacted shock and didn't think I would do it.My family and husband is support my decision and there is some think I shouldn't do it.I don't think so.I manage they will be very supportive during and after.

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

My employer is supportin me all the way.He said I will be more healthier and feel good about myself.he supports the surgery all the way.I told him the truth that I was having stomach stapling.I didn't want to lie to him cause it will be wrong.I will be out of work 6 weeks after I have my surgery.

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

The hospital stay was fine, however who likes to go to the hospital and stay. The nurses were great and gave me the courage to go on and wish me well. I had to stay longer than except cause I quit eating and drinking. They were always bringing things in to eat and drink and I just couldn't take anymore. I was there 5 days. The most important thing to bring is chap stick which I forgot and people was telling me thats the first thing you want to bring.

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

I didn't have any at all. My surgeon knew what he was doing and I trusted him.

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 really nervous but excite. I was so happy that my life was about to change and I have talk to my PCP and therapist and my psycharist to cope with any problems I might have had.

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

Yes, I expected my scar to be like it is. It is about the way everybody else is. It was kind of scary but nobody wasn't going to see it but me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any plateau since surgery but I'm not going to brag cause sooner or later I think I will plateau soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really. Maybe some people but I don't pay attention to them. Some will praise me of my weight loss and some doesn't.