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

A friend at work had the surgery and she gave me documentation and recommended seeing her surgeon for a consultation. I was scared at first but determined to change my life.

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

I was with United Health Care at first when I started the process in October of 2002. I couldn't get all the tests done and approved before the end of the year and my company dropped UHC. I went with Cigna. They were very nice and I submitted my paperwork on 1/8/03 and was approved on 1/13/03. It helps that the doctor's staff knows how to approach the insurance companies.

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

I met with the surgeon once prior to surgery. He was very upfront and honest about his successes and failtures. He had two patients die out of 180. He explained the circumstances of the deaths and they weren't necessarily related to GB. I would urge the person to ask about the doctor's failures.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just wanted to live longer. I knew that on the path I was on, I wouldn't live too long when I could barely even walk up stairs without breathing heavily.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only did open GB.

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 did have fears and they really didn't set in until I was wheeled away from my family into the operating room. The death rate is 1 in 200 and all surgery has risks. But, I think the chance of having a healthy life outweighs the risks.

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 sister who I am very close to, did not want me to have the surgery. She was afraid of losing me and she felt that I would just focus on food the rest of my life. I explained that not having the surgery may affect my not being around too long and that I focused on food as I currently was all the time. She had a hard time getting used to my new body, but she became very supportive. My friends and the rest of my family were extremely supportive and you MUST have someone in your life like that to get through this.

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

They were supportive as well. I was only out three weeks because I was going stir crazy! I told them the truth about my surgery.

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

The nurses were awful in the hospital. They treated me and two other GB patients like we were doing this electively and that it wasn't a "real" need. I was only there two days. I'd say the most important thing to bring is a good book and thick skin!

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

I had no complications...I was very lucky.

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, but very excited as well. I knew I had a new life approaching! I talked about my anxiety with family and friends and this helped tremendously.

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

I was very sore and tired. It was very difficult trying to eat.

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

I have gone to a few support groups and talk often with three girls at work who also had the surgery. I have just recently started a support group with those three girls in the Brandon area and developed a web page for others to come and join us.

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

It is very light now...but raised in one area where the staple got caught in my skin.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateaus, but mostly because I haven't been eating right and drink with my meals.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, it's amazing how people treat thinner people. It's sad actually. But, I have to admit I enjoy the attention from men.