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

My father had a gastric bypass 3 years ago and it worked wonderfully for him. At that time, I would have never considered it. However, over the past year or so, I've researched it and realized that this is something that I need to do for my life's sake. I'm so thankful that there is something out there like this 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 (Tricare Prime) approved my surgery on the first try. I was incredibly surprised!

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

I was really nervous, but Dr. Jawad made everything comfortable. He doesn't exactly have a great bedside manner as far as being chatty with his patients, but he is an excellent doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Wanting to live to see my children and their children grow up.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor decided he could do it laproscopically

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?

Since I am not post-op yet, I can only tell of my fears I am having right now. I'm not afraid of dying from surgery. I'm scared to death of dying without it. I want to see my girls grow up and get married and I'm afraid if I don't do something now, I'll never get there. I want to enjoy the rest of my life with my husband as an active and healthy wife. My fear is missing out on the rest that life has to offer.

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 is totally committed behind me and my decision. My parents are too (dad is post-op x3years). My best friend at first was a little worried, but we talked it over in depth and she understands this is something I need to do. I feel I have her "blessing" now. I really didn't get much reaction from others in my family I have told. I've kept it pretty limited to a select few until I actually have a surgery date. I feel it is my decision to have the surgery and it should be my decision whether I want to let them know I'm doing it.

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

I was going to school full-time. All of my instructors were absolutely wonderful! I was out of school for 1 week and pushed myself to go back. I should have taken longer, but I did ok.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. I had alot of pain in my back, so I couldn't rest comfortably. I would say rest, rest, rest while you are there.

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

Not a single one!

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 nervous. I coped by praying for peace of mind.

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

I attended an WLS group in Valdosta, GA. The group is no longer together. There was alot of stuff going on with some people in the group and I didn't feel I wanted to be a part of that. However, a support group is essential, even if it is on the Internet.

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

I have several 1 cm scars, since my surgery was done laproscopically.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on a plateau now, although it is mostly my fault. I am getting back into exercising like I should and eating like I should.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! I am a teacher and if my students only knew. They respect me and that makes me feel good. I hear them talk about people who are more overweight than me and I give them a stern talking to. If they only knew.