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

I always knew about it but I thought it was for morbidly obese people. Then they started advertising the lap-band to people who were 50+ lbs over weight. I was 100 lbs over weight but there was no way I would have any weight loss surgery. I could lose that weight on my own. All I had to do was change my diet and incorporate some kind of exercise program. I had done it before. But of course that was only when I had 10 or 20 lbs to lose. I never realized how hard it was to lose 100 lbs.

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

I have Kaiser insurance and as long as my doctor referred me and the Bariatric program approved me, my insurance covered me. I only had to pay $250 for my surgery and I had it through a non-Kaiser facility. My advice to you is to get on an insurance plan that covers bariatric surgery.

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

I stayed at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, CA. I was there from Tuesday morning until Friday morning. I had my own room and my fiance was given a cot to sleep on so that he could stay with me in my room. I was well taken care of for the most part and was anxious to go home. Bring slippers because you will have to do some walking. Body wash, toothpaste and tooth brush is good too but they will provide for you if you came without. =) Great Catholic hospital. I loved the visits from the Eucharistic Ministers that came and prayed over me.

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

No complications at all

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 excited at first, but then as the date came closer I began to get nervous. I prayed a lot and talked more about my fears to anyone who would listen. My family and co-workers were all very supportive. I knew I would be okay but I was still nervous. Make sure you have a support group or system.

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

Since I had laproscopic surgery, I didn't have too much pain, just soreness at the wound sites. I couldn't lift anything but I could still walk around, make my own meals, etc. Take your time getting back to work. I took off 3 weeks, but wish I could have taken at least 4. I only went back so soon because my job missed me so much. I had to deal with a lot when I got back and it's better to take it easy if you can.

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

At first I only had my family. But they aren't very supportive when it comes to food. They eat normally, fat, high calorie foods, while I eat my baby food. I have a support system with Kaiser now that they have a post-bariatric course set up. I can call my surgeon's hotline anytime and I have this website obesityhelp.com. Thanks. I've been trying to join the support group from my surgeon's affiliation but no one has replied to my emails. Having support is very important. There are times will no one will understand but your support group. Find one.

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

The day I got home from the hospital I went out and looked for some kind of oil or ointment to put on my scars so that they wouldn't keloid or look bad when they healed. I found Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil. I absolutely love this stuff. It helped heal my wounds and minimized the scaring. None of my incisions have formed into keloids and I have a tendancy to do that. I think I paid around $10 but it is worth every single penny. I am so greatful that it exists!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After 4 weeks from the surgery, I have begun to plateau. This was when I was able to add more food to my menu, fish. Because I don't exercise, I am sure this has a great deal to do with it. In the beginning, day after surgery, I was walking. Now I hardly walk at all. I'm now only losing 1-2 lbs. a week. It used to be 2 lbs. a day.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, except for the comments on how good I look. I've lost 30 lbs. in 6 weeks. You can see it in my face.