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

I had heard about it years ago , but never paid it any attention until my two girlfriends had it within two weeks of each other.

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

I had no problem, but I made sure I had letters from TWO doctors, not one, one was from my primary care physician and the other was from my orthapedic doctor.

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

My hospital stay was fine,because my hospital (Westchester Medical Center in Vahalla) has a bariatric wing where everyone in trained on how to deal with overweight patients and how to be more sensitive. They were very kind, I was there for three days. Everything I brought I really didn't use, so I was okay. I take that back, I brought plenty of prayers with me..........

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

Thank God None!

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 have nauseous and at times very weak, but I was told that is because I have not been getting enough protein. I have since upped the dosage. I go to a support group for all the questions I have and I talk to my girlfriends who have had the surgery.

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

You really need help! My mother came and stayed with me for a week and I really needed her. She's a retired nurse, so she knew what to do and would help me up and also got rid of EVERYTHING I wasn't supposed to have in my kitchen cabinets. You will be very sore and it took about week to get over that.

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

I have attended two support groups and they are extremely helpful. I highly recommend this because folks are going through the same thing that you are and they understand your pain and suffering. The only complaint I have is the nutritionist who was not there when I needed her and has been very distant, non-chalant and downright rude. I did complain to the doctors about her attitude. It is disheartening because the nutritionist is the most important person in your life right after surgery and you should have a close relationship with them.

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

They are small, but one looks like I have a dent in my stomach which I hate, but the doctor says it's just healing and not to worry because it will get better.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Today is Friday APril 30th 2004 and it's only been four weeks since my surgery

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet But I have heard about that