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

I have been studying it for the last 6 years, I have tried to go for it twice and backed out, I finally went through the complete process pre surgery but was denied, that discouraged me. I decided to try again and was finally approved not expecting it to happen so soon.

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

Follow all procedures, but ask your surgeons to prepare you for any road blocks that may occur, Most insurances want to see that you have attempted prior to the surgery to lose the weight somehow.

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

Dr. Ing was very explanatory in the meeting. He answered all questions and confirmed why I should go through the bypass procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was uncomfortable every day, and I didn't like the shape I now had, my stomach was too big, and I felt fat. This was not attractive to me so you know it was not attractive to others.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Initially I wanted to try the lap band, but the gastric bypass was the one best described for people who have diseases such as type 2 diabetes sleep apnea, and other illnesses. I suffer from two of those and they are major.

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 am dying slowly if I don't do anything about my weight now. I am not going to receive death or put it in my mind. There are many survivors and I am going to be in that percentage. If I don't do anything, I will probably die of a heart attack and I don't want this.

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?

Before they were not for it, but after seeing me struggle, I think they understand and just know to keep praying that I will be okay.

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

I haven't shared total details yet, they know I am about to have surgery, they don't know which one. My manager is supportive.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Yes, because I saw healing. I have always said you have to do something to help your own healing, and this provided and option for me.