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

I heard about it since I work in the health insurance industry. I thought it was too good to be true and never be available to me.

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

I met the guidelines and was approved the first try.

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

It was a group setting. Be prepared with written questions that you want answered before you leave, and be sure to ask. Most will be answered before you need to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was working for other people, it came off quickly, and you couldn't overeat, as your stomach is so small.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My sugeon does the RNY and I liked the reasons behind it.

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?

You are always scared with any kind of surgery, but I didn't want to die before seeing my daughter grow up and I wanted to be thin and felt it was worth it. It IS worth it! I would do it again tomorrow if I had to.

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 were supportive. Some of my friends were speculative, but now all they can say is how skinny I am. They are impressed.

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

I told them the truth (they would find out anyway, and I was not ashamed of it) and I was out 6 weeks.

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

I was there for 4 days. I was at an outstanding hospital. I was out of town, so I brought a calling card, PJs and personal items.

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

Not until 18 months out when I had an internal hernia.

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 tired, but got around OK. I was so thrilled to be on the road to losing weight!

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

You must pay attention to the little you get to eat. Be sure you eat it, drink lots and be sure to get your vitamins and protein in.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

100 miles. It was an effort to get to follow up visits, just because I had to have someone go with me, etc.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Viactive and Flintstones complete. I also take B12 and Biotin.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Waking up after surgery in so much pain and the first night in ICU - having to get in and out of bed.

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

Not bad and very worth it! It will soon be gone with my tummy tuck.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! People treat you very differently. Thin people live in a much friendlier, different world.