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

My PCP told me about it at my peak weight of 406 pounds, 4 years ago, and I said I could do it myself. In 4 years, I got down to 298, I then remarried, (the best man in the world, sorry ladies..:) ) became comfortable and regained 34 pounds...when I weighed 332, I talked to my PCP once again, and this time I went through with the surgery.

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

My insurance was great, quick and painless....UNICARE

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

It was full of information, he took his time with me and answered all the questions I had...it was a great experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My diabetes getting way out of control.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon told me what would be best for my size, 5'6", 332

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?

I was afraid, I am not going to lie, I heard of people dying from this, 1 in 200 my doctor said, but if I didnt have this done my chances of living with all my medical problems were maybe 1 in 50!

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 family especially my husband were all very supportive. I wish my mom would look into it, but she said she is too old now...I dunno.....

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

I told them I was having a "diabetic" surgery, which in a way was truthful, but I wanted to keep it simple...

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

I loved my hospital...it was the Beth Isreal in Boston. I have heard some stories, but my stay was pleasant. It may have been because the gastric floor was full and I had to go to the cardiac unit, but I cannot say one thing bad about it except there jello...it was pea green...EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! I had surgery at 2pm Friday July 21st, and was home at 3pm Monday July 24th...bring a hard pillow, the soft ones there just didnt help with the coughing and I also sneezed...OWEY!

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

2 weeks after surgery and after the staples came out, my wound opened about 2 inches on the top. I drained alot and was afraid, but the surgeon was there and took great care of me. He set me up with a home nurse, but she came one day, taught me how to pack my wound and my hubby and I have done it since. I still haven't got my period (Due 8/1-7, now 8/25) and I had my first stupid platue only 2 weeks into this...but I am taking one day at a time, I did quit smoking from this, that is the best thing so far!!!

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 taked to people here and people I personally know that had it done...I made my self ask questions, read, sstudy, print, you name it, I was doing it to ease the anxiety....a klonopin helped too!!! It is a regular med of mine.

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

I have a support group thru Beth Isreal on Thursday nights at 6pm in Boston. I have been able to attend 3 of them, Boston is an hour drive for me and beating the traffic at that time is tough. I have heard of closer ones that my friend Pam and I have to look into....and of course there is this heavenly support group....I can't say enough good.......

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

It is better than I expected. It is 8 inches long, but the incision line is real thin, not like my gallbladder from 5 years ago. Again though, I will have a bigger scar at the top of my incision because of it opening.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The 3 and 4th week into surgery, only a 3 pound loss.....that is my first and hopefully my last for a looooooonnnnngggggg time!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet...