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

I actually heard about it approx. ten years ago on a T.V. commercial. I did a little checking in on it then, but ins. co. were definately not covering it then, so for me, it was out of the question!

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

Actually, My insurance agreed to cover the cost during my first phone conversation. They had to talk to my doctor, pending the final OK....Very Lucky!!!!

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

Very personable, there actually wasn't muc to it...I had to go through a weight loss management center first, so by the time i had to meet with my surgeon, everything else was already out of the way. (My physical therapist, dietician, pyschologist, etc...) So, basically the surgeon and I talked about what type of surgery I would have, lap. or open. He said that he thought lap was the best because I was fairly small compared to most people that have the surgery. BMI of 41 and 266 lbs.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There were several things, that contributed to my decision. First, I didn't want to be a burden to my family (I didn't want them to have to take care of me due to a stroke or heart attack....Health). Secondly, I was so tired of not being able to be an active part in my childrens lives due to lack of energy and motivation. And lastly, I was tired of being overweight, not being able to find clothes and not having any self-esteem.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The choice was made by my surgeon, and I agreed.

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 can't really give advice on that to other people, it has to be a decision made entirely by the other people, because there are Risks!!! Everyone has to make the right decision for themselves. I had lost a daughter 3 months prior to my surgery and my biggest fear about dying, was the loss my family would suffer if they had to go through another great loss such as the one we were all already going through. I have an angel waiting on me in heaven, I wasn't afraid to die.... this doesn't mean that I wanted to, but, I left that decision up to 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 not very happy about the decision at first, and I told them how afraid I was about having a very serious health issue arising in the not to distant future....they came around and are now still a little concerned but very supportive!!! I believe that had they just been totally against the idea, I may have at least reconsidered

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

I drive a school bus and my employer's were very supportive and also concerned a little. I told them also of health issues that I was afraid of. I would have been off for 6 weeks, but I didn't have my surgery until the middle of May and was off the last 3 weeks of school.

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

Actually, I don't have any support prgram, other than obesityhelp.com I spend alot of time reading and posting to the Message Board. It is very helpful... I love it!!!

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

I had Lap. RNY. I have six small incisions on my abdomen. The scars are healing very nicely. They aren't bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am only 5 weeks post-op and haven't experience a plateau at this time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet, but i'm looking forward to that day!!!!!