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

I guess just by hearing about it on television. I was not interested at first because it seemed so radical and life threatening.

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 actually very easy. I went to a bariatric surgeon and he sent a letter asking for approval. I was approved the first time and when i switched doctor, my new surgeon just sent in for a change of provider.

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

Well, I just researched for a year before I even made any appointments. Then, I made a list of questions I had. Anytime I thought of something I would write it down and then add it to my list. I brought it with me to my consult. Most questions were answered but the ones that weren't I had handy so I could ask. I also brought my mother with me because she will ask all the scary questions that I would have tried to avoid!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just feel like I am doing the right thing. I did alot of praying and soul searching and came to this answer. I asked God to please close doors if this isn't what he wants for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Just with the research that I did and by going to support meetings and meeting people. I also tried to weigh the benefits of each one with my personal diet history.

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?

Well, right now i am pre op so i am having alot of fears but I just give it to God and try to listen to my heart.

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 actually very unsupportive. They thought that I was taking the easy way out and that I should just diet. My mother was especially argumentative and I believe she thought this was something that was a passing fancy. She went along to all my visits and tried to get me to change my mind the whole time. However, when she figured out that I have made my mind up and as an adult, have that choice she has tried to understand and accept my decision. My friends are all very supportive and say go for it.

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

I told my employer and they were very supportive within the confines of my allowed time off.

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

It was very nice. I stayed at Memorial Hermann in the Medical Center. I stayed for 4 days. The staff is so nice, all the way from admitting to the nurses and techs. I packed all kinds of things but the most important to me was my robe and slippers. The rest of the stuff I didn't even use. I wore a hospital gown the whole time because it was comfortable then I put my robe on when I was walking. The hospital provided toothbrushes, soap, shampoo even lip balm.

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

I had a wonderful surgeon who is excellent and so I didn't have any complications.

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

Well, I was very anxious before I was given a date. I prayed that God would open or close doors to make this surgery possible if that was His will. When I was given a surgery date with no problems from my insurance or health, I knew God was giving me the ok so I was calm.

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

Well, I had no problems with pain so I didn't have that to deal with. It is nice to have a comfy recliner because I couldn't sleep flat for a few weeks. Getting used to the new diet regimen is frustrating sometimes. I get worried that I am not getting enough water. Then trying to find foods that taste good to my new taste buds is annoying because things that I liked before taste different.

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

I traveled two hours away. I stayed in the town of my surgeon and hospital for an extra week after I was released just in case. I made me feel better to be close during the first days until i went for my week checkup. After the doctor checked me out and said I was doing fine I felt like I could go home.

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

I DON'T HAVE ANY SUPPORT GROUP THAT I ATTEND. I PROBABLY SHOULD ATTEND ONE TO KEEP IN CONTACT AND GET SUPPORT BUT IT SEEMS WITH MY NEW LIFE I STAY VERY BUSY.

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

MY SCARS ARE VERY MINIMAL. I THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD BE MORE VISIBLE BUT THEY JUST LOOK LIKE MOSQUITO BITES.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I HAVE REACHED A PLATEAU FOR THE FIRST TIME. I HAVE STAYED AT THE SAME WEIGHT NOW FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. HOWEVER, IT IS MY GOAL WEIGHT SO I AM JUST TRYING TO MAINTAIN IT. I STARTED EXERCISING AT A LOCAL GYM AND AM REALLY STARTING TO NOTICE AND APPRIECIATE MY "NEW" BODY. SAGGY BOOBS N ALL!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

OH YEAH!! IT IS SAD THAT SOCIETY TREATS OBESE PEOPLE LIKE LEEPERS. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD LOTS OF FRIENDS AND HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY VERY SUPPORTIVE FAMILY BUT I DIDN'T REALIZE HOW DIFFERENTLY THE OUTSIDE PUBLIC TREATED ME. MEN AND WOMEN. PEOPLE LOOK ME DIRECTLY IN THE EYES, MAKE FRIENDLY GESTURES AND DOORS FLY OPEN NOW. WHERE AS BEFORE, IT WAS LIKE I DIDN'T EXIST, KINDA LIKE IF THEY IGNORE THE FAT LADY SHE WILL GO AWAY. AS FAR AS MEN GO, WOW, I AM HAVING A GOOD TIME GETTING SECOND GLANCES AND FREE DRINKS. A WHOLE NEW WORLD. SOMETIMES I WHEN I GET THE SECOND CHECK, I AM LIKE, IS HE REALLY LOOKING AT ME? AND I JUST WANT TO GO HUG HIS NECK AND SAY THANK YOU. GUYS MUST THINK I AM NUTS CAUSE WHEN THEY TELL ME I AM ATTRACTIVE I AM GENUINELY THANKFUL AND ACT LIKE A GIDDY TWELVE YEAR OLD AND BLUSH.