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

My twin sister had the surgery about 10 years ago. I first thought of it as cheating, then I realized the only thing your cheating is death.

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

Everything actually went really easy, but I never would have been able to do it without my company changing insurance plans on 1/1/07

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

2 night stay at the hospital, and I was bored to death. So, bring distractions like magazines, books and games.

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

No complications what so ever.

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

It was like winning the lottery,

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

I've only been home a week, but I feel great. However, I believe this is partly due to the fact that I follow the eating rules religiously

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

I have monthly meetings available to me, but I'm not sure that I need them.

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

Mine was laproscopic, therefoe I only have 6 small incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

In the first week I've lost 26 lb.s.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

To early to tell, but I not concerned about others. My focus is on feeling well.