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

Internet research and 2 fellow co-workers having had procedures done. My first impression was one of fear and "would it work for me?"

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

My approval was fast and with a letter from my PCP. I had no trouble at all.

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

coming 8/2002 2-3-2003-was impressed with his knowledge and ease with talking to the group. He seemed genuine in his concern, yet didn't beat around the bush or suger coat the seriousness of the procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to be healthy again. I want to be able to walk without pain or shortness of breath. I want to be able to do my job without perspiring all the time. It's time to take care of me for a while instead of always taking the time to make sure everyone else is all set.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

will check with surgeon at my consult.

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?

Of course I have the fear of dying and leaving my kids (13 & 15) and my husband. But I am so miserable right now that I can't imagine continuing to live like this daily. I do a lot of praying and talking to my close support group of friends.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My husband first thought it was a quick fix until he met one of his co-workers who had surgery. He is trying to be supportive but I know he is afraid. He doesn't seem to want to talk about it as much at I would like to. My mom has come to all of the pre surgical consult appt.'s with me; she has been a God send. My brothers think it is too drastic. My father won't talk about it yet. I'm split about 50/50 with my friends support.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

Pending

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

My stay seemed to go incredibely fast. I had my surgery on a Monday and went home on Friday (I had a 9 hr drive so my surgeon allowed me to stay an extra day) I was up an walking short hours after the surgery. Day 2 was the roughest and then it seemed to get better FAST. I had a student nurse along with the others and she was attentive and made the recovery process so much better. I found bringing my own none skid slippers to be a life saver. The nurses were kind, prompt and skillful.

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

My surgery was totally uneventful!!!!

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

After I received my surgery date I tried to get the "house" things done to occupy my mind. After waiting for so long and doing all the pre-op requirements I was excited to move on to the "final" step in my journey. I work midnights and worked the night before the long drive-couldn't think of any valid reason to hang around and wait to leave. Filled my time with "everyday" normal stuff.

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

I am hoping to attend a support group that meets at our town hospital the last Sat of the month. I haven't been able to attend do to scheduling conflicts.

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

My scar is midline about 6 inches long. Narrow, straight and darn good looking. It is smaller than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been staying away from the scale because the main goal of the surgery was to obtain better health. I feel better and my clothing does indicate weight loss. I am afraid of becoming addicted to the scale and becoming dependent on it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My personal circle of support has not treated me any differently (except to maybe pamper me too much)