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

I started researching weight loss options on the internet and had never even thought about WLS. I really hadn't ever heard anything about it, so the thought about having it never crossed my mind. I was looking up weight loss options such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. Then, I found the OH page and started reading people's profiles and I got really excited about it.

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

I had an extremely difficult time getting an insurance approval. It took me nearly two years and two different insurance companies to finally get approved. I had alot of different requirements that I had to do before I was even considered.

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

My hospital stay was very nice. Anytime I needed anything there was a nurse right there. I had my surgery on Wednesday afternoon and I came home on Friday afternoon. The only thing that I really used that I brought from home was my chapstick! :)

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

No complications!

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 was super excited! I didn't want to have to wait the month that I had to. The closer I got to the surgery date, the more nervous I got. I was ready to get it over with, but I was so scared that I would have complications and never come home from the hospital.

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

Soreness, emotional issues with food, happiness that the surgery is over. I had food issues when I saw my husband and little boy eat dinner and I was limited to chicken broth. After I was able to eat a little more, the food issues went away.

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

Obesity Help!!!

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

I have 6 little scars. They are everything that I expected them to be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my first plateau at 2 weeks out!! After I was able to switch from clear liquids to full liquids I didn't lose any weight for 2 weeks straight!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!!! People actually talk to me now. Before, they would act like I wasn't even there.