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

I heard about it on TV, at that time it was still brand new, the SURGON set me up, but never told me much about it, so I checks myself out of the Hospital the day before the operation. I waited another 20 years then found a wonderful doctor ( Dr. Wm. Holman ) who took the time to explain everything, and that's when I did it..

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

The insurance was very easy for me, I has a great coverage..

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

I was very nervous meeting him for the first time, but he made me feel so comfortable, that I could not believe the different between the first doctor who never explained anything to me..

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Dr. Holman taking the time with me, and making me feel so good about having the operation.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Lapro

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 fear, that I could die, but I also knew I could die if I did not do anything to help myself..

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?

The first time my family did not support me, but the second time they were all so supportive.

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

Was a homemaker, did not work at that time.

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

I went, but I am hard of hearing, so it was hard for me to understand, and I did not tell them that I could not hear what they were talking about.

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

My stay was very good, Dr. Holman and his wife stops by to see me to make sure I was OK. The hospital ( White Plains) was so good, they really knew how to make me feel good about going thru the operation.

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

Yes, the hole opened up and all the food was going thru the old stomach, so I was operated on again, and all went well..

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

As I said, I was nervous, but was happy that I made the right choice to go thru with it.

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

All went well, just the gas pain was bothering me, but was able to deal with it.

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

About 45 minutes away from home.

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

I could not believe the energy I has, and that was only about 2 weeks after the operation.

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

I had only 6 small holes, but they cleared up.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It's nice when people respect me for going thru the operation.