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

I hEARD about stomach stapling years ago and knew a few people, although not well, who had it done. Several just gained their weight back. I felt it was too dangerous for the iffy rewards.

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

I knew from the first my insurance would not cover the surgery and didn't pursue.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Desperation. i felt bad and thought I was dying slowly.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading and consult with Dr.

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?

Since I was paying myself and taking a large part of my savings to do it, I was very concerned with complications and hospitalizations following the surgery. Thank goodness, this did not materialize.

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

Hospital and staff very good. i stayed 2 nights. I don't recall anything that was essential to bring. They provided all I needed.

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

Fever and extreme pain. pain was just a matter of endurance.

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 took about 2 weeks to recover and sleep normally in my own bed. Another 2-3 weeks to feel like I could follow my normal routine.

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

Don't believe all the Pollyanna stories. The pain was really bad and it does take a few weeks to return to "normal." I really felt that I was not adequately prepared for this.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

100+ miles

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

2 weeks - little activity. 3-4 weeks normal daily activity. 5 weeks on walking and Curves.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

2 multivitamens daily; 2 600mg with D calcium pils

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

I would like to follow up with others regularly but, do not have a support group within a 100 mile radius. I did attend one session after my surgery, back at the hospital where it was done, but seemed to be geared toward information for those anticipating the surgery, not those afterwards.

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

Scars - laproscopic - are minimal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus but, then I only weigh myself 2-3 times per month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No