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

I finally got desperate enough and built up the courage to type in a search on the internet for "gastric bypass surgery." Just building up the courage to type those words was my own admission that I needed help with a problem that is much, much larger than I am. It was my final admission that my situation was out of control and I had to realize that I had to get help. My initial impression was that I would never have to have the surgery. However, the more I searched and read, the more I realized that this is my last and only hope to improving my health and the way that I feel.

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

I have BCBS of Alabama, XAA contract. No problems at all. I was approved 20 days after my doctors office faxed the approval request. I called BCBS Customer Service for updates, and they were always very willing to help.

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

Fortunately, I had searched the internet enough to learn that I needed to take a list of questions with me. I read that your surgeon should not back away from these questions, and I believe that. My surgeon not only gave me a very thorough overview (which covered most of my questions), he also then asked for my list and went through each one (there were about 80 questions!!) My advice is to read, read, read on the internet, articles, magazines, books, etc. Knowledge is power and helps to make a good decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The admission to myself that I am out of control, and that this is my life raft - literally. Knowing that this is bigger than me, and wanting desperately to feel better. Knowing that there is a God who cares that I need help, and has provided this option to me. I look at this as no different than a heart bypass. Yes, it changes my anatomy, my God-given anatomy. So does a heart bypass, but, it helps you live a longer life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spent a good bit of time on the internet researching the various types of procedures, and I had come to the conclusion on my own that I wanted to have lap gastric bypass. Interestingly, this is the procedure that my regular doctor recommended, without knowing that it was my preference. The factors were that this is done more often, people generally lose more weight faster, and it is the favored procedure among surgeons. I don't think the other procedures are bad, but this was just best for me.

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?

Surgery is not something I look forward to, but I hate being overweight, and I know my life will be much shorter without the surgery. Also, my quality of life should greatly improve. I am naturally apprehensive about having surgery, but I fear greatly what will happen if I don't have the surgery.

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 husband and mother have both been very supportive, as well as most of my friends. Both were nervous at first, but the more they learned, the more they realized why I made this decision. My Dad is not at all supportive and keeps trying to tell me all the reasons why I shouldn't have the surgery. He fears that I will die. I don't think there would have been a good way to tell him - I don't think all the educating in the world will make a difference. I think that even after I lose weight, feel better, and live longer and better, he will still say the surgery was a mistake. However, I won't let that stop me from going forward and feeling good about myself in making this decision.

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

Very supportive and naturally concerned.

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

MIMC is great. They have a section for GB patients, and the nurses know our needs and issues. They are also very encouraging. I was there 4 days. Things to bring - Toothbrush/paste, lip gloss (your lips will be chapped), lotion, several very loose gowns (PJ's don't work as well),robe, non-skid slippers and/or non-skid socks, any meds you are on (although don't take them until you discuss with your doctor).

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

none

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

First I was excited. The week of my surgery, I got a little nervous. However, I attended a support group meeting four days before my surgery that really reinforced what I already knew - the topic was all the reasons people opt to have this surgery. Then, the fear went away and I was ready. I spent the last four days preparing by getting my house clean, laundry done, and packing. I would describe my state of my mind during those last 4 days as "resolved and decided - full throttle ahead!" Of course, I had a few food funerals too, and several "last meals."

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

MIMC Monthly meeting (2nd Thursday night of each month at 6:00 p.m.) and monthly meeting at Providence of the support group "A Slim Chance." Very important!! Must attend to stay in contact and learn from others!

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

so far, not bad. It's less than what I expected because my surgeon only does 4 holes and not 5 for lap. Some here even do seven holes!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had plateaus as early as 3 weeks after surgery. They last 5-7 days at most so far, and then I start to lose again. It seems that when I hit a plateau, I still feel the loss in that my clothing continues to get too big.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People seem excited for me.