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

We started researching it about 2 years before our surgery. I had read an article and kept looking up info on the internet and we began discussing it with our PCP. We both felt this procedure was going to be the answer for both of us (husband & I).

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

We were both approved, first try. I think the biggest thing was having all the information complete. Document, document and over document with medical records, labs, weight loss programs, co-morbidities, etc.

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

It was everything I expected. He answered all of our questions and was so caring. We were both totally confident and relaxed about the entire procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Our PCP recommended the perfect surgeon for us. We have total faith in our PCP and he knew this was something we had been researching for almost 2 years. We were ready, both mentally and physically!

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

Our hospital stay was a breeze and the staff was incredible. We went in on a Tuesday morning and went home Friday morning. We were up walking around the same afternoon after surgery and it just got easier and easier as we went. Nothing difficult about this for us.

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

No complications whatsoever.

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

We (husband & I) both were approved for surgery at the same time and had ours on the same day. The approval came quickly and we were so excited. No hesitation, no worries . . . just pure excitement.

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

Our surgeon has a staffed support group that meets once monthly and we have a more casual/social type support that also meets once monthly. We also have e-mail support and a message board. Super, super aftercare support! It's like a family.

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

6 tiny, tiny incisions that have already almost totally vanished.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

We have both had one 2 week period where we plateaued but we have lost so much weight, so quickly, we weren't concerned. In the first 3 months, I've lost 65 lbs. and my husband has lost 110 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely! We're not getting the "fat stares" or the comments we used to. Now it's all positive comments.