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

I was horriefied when a friend of mine chose the'easy way out'

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

It seemed hopeless to get coverage, & then it was a miracle when BC/BS said OK. Post-op, it was a nightmare when BC/BS changed their position & withdrew the coverage leaving me with $50,000 in bills. I spent 6mos appealing this decision & submitting medical articles & Doctor's letters supporting my need for the surgery. They finaly agreed to pay it all!! Don't give up!!

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

My surgeon & his staff were great. They told me they would hep me. They answerd all of my many questions patiently & thoroughly. It was the first doctor visit of my life where I wasn't made to feel either self concious or guilty about my weight. Be sure to write down all of you questions, all of their answers, & ask who your contact is & how for future questions

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A cardiologist told me if I didn't lose weight, even though I had no cardiovascular disease at that time, it was only a question of time before I had a serious heart attack because of my weight combined with diabetes & hypertension. I was further told that bypass surgery would cure the diabetes & hypertension. I decided that bypass surgery was less scary than open heart surgery or a heart attack

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The consultation with my surgeon convinced me that for my case, conventiona Roux N Y was the best choice

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 had confidence in my surgeon who has a great record with a very low incidence of complications, but I still worried. I worried more about needing open heart surgery & its risks.

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

I was in the hopita 2 days. They provide everything you need. You might want to bring your own slippers

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

I had no complications

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 anxious to have the surgery

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

My wieght loss was disappointingly slow. Even the doctor was surprised. I did lose eventualy but not as quickly or as much as expected.

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

3 miles

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

I take iron and vitamin C twice a day. I take B12 weekly

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

Not loseing as much weight as expected

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

The doctor's staff & friends are a I need

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

my scars are practically invisible

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

my weight loss was done at 6 months. The doctor was surprised & has no expanation

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get alot of compliments