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

From the internet and stories on TV of different people having the surgery. I thought it was a huge step for me to even consider.

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

I didn't have any trouble

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

He was wonderful, caring and concerned that I knew what I was getting into.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that I could NOT control my eating on my own and I was developing more and more serious health issues

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

It was good, I was there for 4 days but had to return 3 weeks later because I had an infected abcess. The MOST important items to bring are Tongs and Baby wipes to be able to reach your Butt!!

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

Just an infection and I was in the hospital for 6 days on antibiotics

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 wondered if I had made a huge mistake. I just knew there was no going back and each day got better

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

It's very small hardly visible

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ABSOLUTELY!!! Everyone hugs me before NO one touched me