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

I have 2 co-workers who had this surgery. Initially I said I would never have it done. I thought they were crazy for having it done. Now I have a surgery date. I can't wait!

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

I didn't have too much trouble. I was denied at first because I couldn't show 18 months of unsuccessful supervised weightloss. But, after I appealed the denial all I did was write them a long letter describing my experience with being obese and the emotional pain I've endured over the years and then I was approved immediately!!

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

Ask alot of questions... write them down before you go so that you won't forget any of them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Realizing that if I've failed at this for 17 years I would more than likely never achieve permanent weightloss.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Everyone I knew who had this surgery had the RNY done. I did research on it and felt it was also the best choice 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?

I believe I'm at a higher risk of dying by not having this surgery. It made me feel better when I read somewhere that I was no more at risk having this surgery than any other surgery. I've only had surgery once and that was to have my gallbladder removed... the LapRNY is the same type of surgery so I'm glad I was able to have this particular 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?

They are all supportive. I do have one sister who is really worried and would rather I didn't have WLS, but she is still very supportive.

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

My supervisor is very supportive and happy for me.

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

My hospital stay was pleasant. The nurses made sure I was comfortable. I only brought the necessities.. toothbrush, deodorant, etc.

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

About a month out of surgery I needed to have an endoscopy because my opening had over healed. I ended up having 3 altogether.(every 2 weeks) The symptom I was having was when I ate or took my medicine it felt like it gurgled up into my throat. It felt like it didn't want to go down. The opening was only 1 mm and it was supposed to be between 10-15 mm. (I believe) This was not a big deal at all.. I healed nicely and felt so much better afterwards.

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

Oh I was so excited!! It didn't come fast enough for me. I was all prayed up so I wasn't nervous or apprehensive about having the surgery at all.

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

I never did go to a support group. I was fortunate enough to have fellow co-workers & friends who had had the procedure done.. so I had many people I could ask questions if I needed to.

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

My scar isn't bad at all.. it's about 4 inches long and maybe 4 mm's wide.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I remember experiencing a couple plateaus along the way, but be patient... you'll lose again. I am experiencing one right now actually, I am 1 year and 1 month post op and I have been stuck between 160 - 165 for a couple months now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed alot of attention, but not necessarily being treated differently. I wasn't really treated badly before the surgery (that I noticed.)