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

I learn about it from a friend that was also researching it. At first i didnt want to have it done. I keep telling myself that i can lose the weight on my own

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

Be patient! But be firm. Insurance companies will try to get out of paying for anything.

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

My first visit was pretty fast. I had researched this surgery for almost two years before i made any decisions. I didnt really have any quesitons that i didnt already know the answer to. My advice is "do your research" b/c there is most likley a question that you will forget to ask your doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well i topped 312 lbs and nothing was working. I didnt want my daughter to grow up with a mother that sat on the couch all day b/c i physically couldnt play with her.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The one with the best long term results.

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 would have rathered faced the fear of dying then not to have the surgery. Just think about it, i was slowly killing myself anyway.

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!

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 two weeks before the surgery, and they too were very supportive.

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

I was there 8 days due to complications/infection from a leak. The hospital stay was ok, i would have rather been at home. What to take? Pack your bag with what you think you are going to need. Then go back through your bag and take out two-thirds of what you packed, you will NOT NEED THAT MUCH!

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

I had a leak, resulted in second surgery. I handled it pretty well.

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

It was in the same town

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I would get very "drained" about mid-day. I looked like a walking zombie. i took naps at work and that seemed to help.

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

very small and light.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

at about 3 months i didnt lose any weight for a whole month. there are actually times that i will gain 2 or 3 lbs before losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people i dont know actually talk to me and make eye contact. Could be that i am starting to make eye contact with them.