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

I found out from the radio 98.3. I was ready to have it done the very next day.

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

If you have any problems just let Peggy from the office help you she is great with that stuff.

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

It was grat. No need to be nervous. Just listen and ask lots of question. Don't hold anything back.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being FAT. I was tired of not being able to buy cloths or shoes. ETC..........

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

They decided for me.

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 really didn't hae any fears. I was to excited to have fear.

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?

They really didn't want me to have it but left it all up to me. They are very supportive now and can't blive how good I feel and look.

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

The whole office I work in was and is very sapported. I told them all the truth. 3 to 4 weeks. I only went back to work part time for 2 weeks then went back to full time.

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

Well my stay in the hospital was great. All of the nurses were wonderful and they really care about you alot. I was in for 5 days and it seemed like one. I think that when you are prepareing to go in for your surgery the most important things to bring with you is chapstick, a sippy cup (better then there's), books, or any reading items, slippers or slipper socks with grips on the bottom, robe, your own pillows and what ever else that will keep you busy. If you have a family like mine you will have vistors every 10 mins but it is nice because it really makes the time go by.

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

I only had one complication with the surgery. I had a wond infection. I was released on a monday and was back in the hospital the following day for 4 more days. It wasn't that bad. As soon as Dr. Vohra cleaned out the wond it was all gone. I was put on heavy meds and had a nurse at home for a week. Within 2 weeks I was all healed up. The only had part was how the meds made me feel sick. But before you know it, it is all over and done with. All worth it and I would do it again even with the infection.

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 don't know how I cope with it. I was to overwellemd that I was going to be living my life's dream. I just took one day at a time and when the day before my surgery came I only slept for an hour. I was way to happy and could wait for all the weight to start coming off. I wish everyone all the best of luck and just have fun with it.

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

Our group of people who have the surgery with Dr. Vohra have a WONDERFUL support group that meets the 3rd Tues of every month. I think it is very important to attend the meetings because it helps you deal with the lose of food we no longer are able to have. When I leave the meetings I feel like a whole new person. I have made many friends who I hope will be long term.

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

I have 9 little scars. Some of them look like butterflys. It is kinda funny to look at sometimes but you know what. So what. I would rather have 9 little scars then not have a life time of love and support for my famiy and friends.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not experience any plateau's yet. I am sure my day will come and when it does I will just increase my protein, water and excerise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

To a point I do. I know that my soon to be husband is alot more protected of me and alot closer to me in all ways. Other then my family and friends no not at all. I am the same person I have always been just happy now.