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

I heard it on the news while in college in 99.

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

My insurance was great! I had not problems with getting approved.

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

It was like it is finally here. GO into the meeting with questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I realized that I was lying to myself the whole time. I told myself I had control, but I was still gainning weight. I knew I would not have much time if I did not do something now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was the only procedure offered here in my town.

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 looked at it like either die trying to help myself or die because I did not try change my life. Put your trust in God!!

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.

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

I have three jobs. They all were very supportive. I went back to my desk in job two weeks after and the other two I went back in 6 weeks.

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

I was an emmotional roller coaster. I had never had surgery like this or had to stay home for long periods of time. I am very independent and I work three jobs. I was not use to the feeling of being confined to the house.

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

I had to travel about a half a mile..no kidding!

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take two Flintstones vitamens, Two Tums, and a B12 vitamen.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Waiting for dr appointments.

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

I attended some support group meetings required by my bariatric center. Felt they have not really helped or gained any new information.

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

My scar is a lot longer then I thought it would be. It is from the bottom of my bra line to my navel, but it has healed nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Every couple of weeks I will stay at the same weight for about a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They find out and they are like I am soo sorry to hear that you had to have that surgery.