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

The bariatric weight loss center was first recommended to me by my pulmonologist, who reiterated that my health problems would most likely be reduced by weight loss. Initially, I was seeking either long-term supervised weight loss or possibly a lap band. At my first visit to a surgeon, roue en Y gastric bypass was recommended because of my type 2 diabetes. I was scared to death and definitely had a hard time wrapping my brain around such an invasive procedure.

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

Very quick. Laverne @ IUHealth Bariatric Center was wonderful and took care of everything. When the time came to submit to my insurance, it took about a week to get approval.

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

Christopher Evanson is wonderful. He has an extensive knowledge of the connection between roux en Y gastric bypass surgery and the type 2 diabetes connection. He was very informative and reassuring. Do your research and ask a lot of questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to reduce the number of medications I was taking and lose weight. I felt that the only way I was going to lose weight was to be free of the type 2 diabetes meds that perpetuate weight gain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through the surgeons recommendation and the desire to control the diabetes, Roux en Y was the only option I ultimately considered because I knew that weight loss alone, via diet or lapband, would not control my diabetes.

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 terrified and ultimately resigned that I could/would die during the procedure. I had failed my pulmonary function testing and have heart disease, so I was afraid of a massive heart attack. I work in a hospital where babies and children undergo serious surgeries with serious illnesses and I see them come back healthier than ever, so I tried to focus on that. Also, I had a counselor who was able to guide me through positive visualization processes and I used that. The surgery and recovery progressed better than I could have ever imagined. I was home by noon on postop Day 2 and back to work exactly two weeks after surgery. I feel great and have much more energy than I had prior to surgery at just two weeks postop.