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

I had my annual gynecological exam and expressed my frustration to my doctor about not being able to lose weight. I asked if he could help me. He told me about Dr. Ameri and how much he loves doing this surgery because it helps people more than any other surgery he does. He asked me if I would ever consider it and I was instantly certain that I wouldn't. As they say, never say never. I went home and made an appointment with the surgeon and as I waited for the appointment (3 months away)I researched.

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

My surgeon's office handled all the details and managed my approval procedure. They told me what they needed and I fulfilled those requests to the best of my ability, putting in significant time and documenting details thoroughly. Do each step to the best of your ability -- hopefully, that will help your approval come more quickly!

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

Go with questions. If your surgeon is worth his/her salt, they will answer every one of them. My surgeon was warm, comforting, supportive and didn't mince words regarding potential complications. I appreciated his straight forwardness.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Writing my letter for insurance approval helped. I realized how many unsuccessful attempts I've had at weight loss. I also did lots of research. I feel very comfortable about my descision.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY was the surgery that has the best odds of success for me. It is also the only form of bariatric surgery my surgeon performs.

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?

There are always factors that we cannot control, so we have to focus on those we can control. Rather than going out to binge before your surgery, take care of yourself. Eat well. Exercise. Think of yourself as training for a marathon. I find it much easier to do these things when I have a goal (surgery) and I'm doing it to add a little extra insurance that I will get through the surgery well and heal quickly after. Choose your surgeon carefully and be sure you trust him/her. You are putting your life in his/her hands. I also realize that, though I'm relatively healthy now, I could potential drop dead of a heart attack any day.

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?

Almost everyone was supremely excited for me. Some asked a lot of questions and felt a bit apprehensive, but felt better with a little knowledge. Not everyone is going to react the way you would like them to. Be confident in your decision before you begin telling everyone.

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

I had quite the uneventful stay in the hospital. The nurses were all wonderful and I felt I had quite a lot of control over what I was able to do while I was there. The most important thing to remember for me was that I needed to be in charge of my recovery. This meant that I was the one to get up out of bed and walk. I asked to have my first shower. The nurses are busy and don't always have time to "hold your hand" with these matters. Find out what you're supposed to be doing and go do it!

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?

I was thrilled to get my surgery date. I had done all the research on the surgery prior to this point in my journey. Even though I was nervous, I just kept coming back to the reasons I had for having the surgery in the first place -- my health and living long enough to help my daughters grow up.

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

I attend monthly support group meetings designed and run by my surgeon and his staff. These are very helpful in keeping me on track and connected to others who have had or are going to have the surgery.

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

I have several small incisions, most of which are not particularly red or raised after 8 months. They are actually fading faster than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced a sharp decrease in my weight loss over the last few months. I have tried different things to overcome the plateaus -- from increasing strength training and aerobic excercise, to remembering to drink more water, to constantly making sure I get enough protein. It seems to be a matter of trial and error and sometimes I simply just have to wait it out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! In some ways, I like it. In other ways, it bothers me that people would be nicer to me now. I certainly have gotten lots of positive attention within my social circle. My strategy for telling people the truth about what I've done is that -- I didn't want anyone except my closest family and friends to know prior to the surgery. After the surgery and as it became more apparent that I had lost weight, I started telling anyone who asked me. So far, I haven't gotten any negative reactions. What they say when I leave may be another story, but I can't worry about that.