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

When I was diagnosed morbidly obese, my physician told me about the options of surgery.

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

Be patient in this step, it took me 11 years and 7 insurance companies. But, I persevered and it has happened for me.

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

Nerve wracking, expecting denial at every turn.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When my husband couldn't sleep with me because of my size and snoring.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Studied the risks and success of each procedure. With 11 years to do it in I was pretty familiar with them all.

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 wasn't frightened, I trusted my doctor and his staff, they were considered the best in the nation and it meant a lot to me. I was concerned and made the necessary preparations in the event of death, but, I never considered it truly as a possibility.

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 immediate family was behind me all the way. My older brother was not as supportive as he could be and my father was terrified of the procedure. Now that they see it is working and that I am healthier and happier they are fully supportive.

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

My employer was supportive but it confused him as to why someone would want to do this radical of a procedure. I was out of work for 5 weeks and went back to work full time at 7 weeks.

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

I stayed in the hospital for 4 days, it was not a picnic, you were required to get up, walk, walk, walk, and more walking, it was probably the best thing they could of done for me. The edema (swelling) in my hands and feet from the iv's went away quicker, I felt stronger, more energized and had less pain. The staff was friendly, encouraging and supportive of me throughout, they made it necessary to learn and listen, they had dieticians, physician's, nurses, and even a psychologist on hand to help with any questions, fears or concerns. They were like a bunch of mama bear's over their cubs.

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

I have had absolutely no complications. It is wonderful

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Once I got my surgery date, I felt such a tremendous amount of relief that I threw myself into my job so I could take off the time needed for recovery worry free, I never gave myself the time to feel any anxiety, I was to concerned with making sure everyone in my life was taken care of while I was away in the hospital.

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

Being tired is the most common side effect and frustration at the limitations on the amount of what you can eat and some frustration as to what you are allowed to eat. Just stick with it.

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

I travelled about an hour to the facility, there was no effect to my aftercare as I was not required to see them but in an emergency and my own physician could take care of the anything else.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

Well to be honest I followed the food guidelines to the letter, I was scared to try and be creative because I was determined for it to work and not to have any complications to speak of, because of it I believe is why I am have so much success.

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

I haven't really gone to any support group, except for on-line chat and believe it has helped immensely as prior to surgery I could chat with post-oppers and they were able to help me prepare in the form of shopping lists and answer any questions I may have had.

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

My scar is my new zipper, it is exactly as I expected, my surgeon pulled no punches with how it would look and I am extremely glad he was as brutally honest as he was. It is looking 100% better now, but in the beginning it was a little frightening.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't really experienced any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice a lot more male attention now that I am 140pounds lighter, it is amazing how I stand more erect, walk a little taller, I am little more outspoken and it is fun, people look me in the eye now and not over my left shoulder.