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

I first heard of the band on the internet but I was not accepted by the surgeon first then saw another 2 yrs later who agreed to do the band instead of bypass

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

My approval went very smooth

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

I was outpatient. Surgery was early in teh morning and was hope by dinnertime.

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

I became dehydrated 3 days after the surgery and was admitted for a day

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 anxious to start my new life but nervous as well to have surgery

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

Expect to second guess yourself. I became a little sad when I could not eat for such a long period of time

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

I see the NUT at each office visit.I now go every 6 months just to be checked

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

Very small slots. I used Bio Oil and it helped minimize teh scars

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

You will hit them a few times in your journey. You just push thru them and look towards teh long term goal!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

For sure, strangers treat thinner people with much more respect