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

I had a friend who had the older style bcak in the 80's, and it scared me. She did not have much success.

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

I did not have any trouble with ins. My surgeon said, Tracie, if they deny YOU, just WHO in the world CAN they approve?

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

My visit with Dr Ver Steeg was an eye opener. He told me the facts straight up. I could die on the table. I WOULD die without the surgery. Not very nice odds either way.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Finally realizing that I was not getting any younger, and if I wanted to be around to see my son grow up, have more kids, and basically just LIVE life I had to do somethign, and QUICK!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Easy, I had the one my surgeon of choice performed...the RNY.

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?

My biggest fear was not of dying from the surgery, but from dying because I was too afraid to have the surgery, if that makes sense.

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?

Most people were supportive. A lot thought I was nuts, but later told me they thought I was very brave. Bravery had nothing to do with it. If I didn't have the surgery, I would be dead, plain and simple. I weighed 525 pounds...my days were numbered, and I could feel them slipping away. Now, 10 months later, I am 333, and each day is a new beginning! The surgery literally saved my life!

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

My stay was ok...bring toothpaste and toothbrush, also a favorite pillow and/or blanket...comfort items.

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

No, just low RBC...had to have 2 units of blood before being allowed to go home.

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 felt like crap in the first few weeks. Just buckled down and dealt with it.

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

My surgeon has a bi-weekly support group. But he is moving his practice to CA, hopefully the support groups will continue. They are very important, especially early on.

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

I have 5 very small scars. They are very flat and smooth. He did a wonderful job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Every 3 weeks or so it seems there will be 5-7 days I don't lose a thing, then it picks back up. You just have to accept it and go on.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! And it makes me SO angry! I am not any different now than I was before, but more people take time to be nice to me and listen to what I have to say!