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

I saw a commercial for " Bariatric Treatment Center" and called for the brochure.

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

I submitted my clain for coverage on a Tuesday, then I was approved by that next Monday.

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

This was the third surgeon I had a consult with. I liked her very much. She spent plenty of time with me, and had a very positive attitude.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I got insurance coverage

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon decided

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 am not really fearful, I have done so much research and feel confident about the proceedure. I am a huge wimp when it comes to pain, so that is my main concern right now.

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 is very supportive. Even my grandparents and brother!

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

I just told my employer today, so far they have taken it well, but we will see what the future brings.

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

I liked the care i got in the hospital. I think the nurses should have made me get up more often, but i did fine.

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

I had no complications from surgery unless you want to count that i had to have my gall bladder out 10 mos after surgery

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 had much anxiet the night befor surgery. My surgeon just happend to be having a support group meeting that night that really helped my nerves.

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

I have a support group i have attended monthly after surgery. I now work for my surgeon and run the support group

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

my scar is healing very nicely. I used vit e for about 4 mos, now i always forget to use it. it is about 10 inches in length, but it is very light now (1 year after)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been on my first long plateau for the last 2 mos. I am not eating right, or excersising, so it is totally my fault.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, people are much nicer.