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

I first heard about it when my sister-in-law went and had it done. And it scared the hell out of me. She was really sick from it. Then she said to me maybe you should go and have the surgery. I said nah. Then about one year ago my Mother-in-law went and did it then she said Kathy you really ought to go and have this surgery. So then i decided what the hell I might as well what have I got to lose (HAHAHAHA)SO then I went to the Doctor's and told them that I wanted to do the surgery and they said ok. I started going to the meetings you have to go to 3 meetings and you have to lose 15 pounds(which is to prove to them that you are commited to this surgery) I am sure this is exactly what I am going to do.

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

I had called my insurance and asked them if they covered bariatric surgery and they said yes but that I had to go and get a letter of medical necessity for my sleep study. I have to call them when I know when my sleep study is and then i have to call them when i know when the surgery will be. Just keep bugging them. You pay for your insurance keep after them.

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

As of today not sure when I will see the surgeon.Today November 9,2002 I am going to see the surgeon on Wednesday Nov.13th at 1 in the afternoon. I am getting so excited.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just decided I was tired of being tired and fat and having no energy and not being able to do the things that I used to do when I was younger.Plus I would love to be able to wear pants that do not have elastic in them or sweats. I want to be able to wear a pair of jeans with a zipper and buttons. Plus I am doing it for me myself and I because I am an important person. My husband supports me 110% He is my rock.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It really did not matter to me which surgery I had.

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?

The fears that I had about having WLS surgery were none. I was a little scared about the anestesia(sp) I just did not think that I would not wake up as soon as I did. Anohter thing I do not like needles. I really am petrified of them. I would tell others that fears are a normal part of all surgeries. We just have to breath and think of something or someone that we love dearly and everything will be great.

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?

I have not told many people cause this is my decision my husband Kenneth and sons Kevin and Chris and motherinlaw and fatherinlaw Helen and Ernest Cole and my Sister Kim

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

My stay in the hospital was wonderful everyone there was so caring and attentive. I was in the hospital for 3 days and my hubby got to stay with me. I am so happy that he got to stay with me. I think that helped me to recover faster. The most important thing I brought with me was my Ken(HUBBY). He is my rock and life. Another thing to bring is chapstick and a bathrobe.

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

I had no complications after surgery.,

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 so excited I did not think that the day would ever get here. When it did finally get here. I had butterflies in my tummy. Everyone kept telling me that everything was going to fine and the surgery was going to be uneventful. I kept busy doing other things that had to get done prior to Christmas. So that kept my mind pretty well occupied.

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

We are about one and one half hours from the hospital. I took pain medication prior to getting in the car. And the ride home was great. Of course every bump we went over my hubby would say are you okay and of course I said yes I am doing fine. Slept a little on the way home as well.

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

I have a very loving and caring and thoughtful DH who is always here if I need him. He would do anything for me. He helps me with meals and helps me with picking out great looking clothes.

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

My scar is about 6-inches long and it is red and bumpy. Yes I expected this.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes some people do treat me different one person imparticular but will not say who this person is.