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

A friend of mine had it done and she looked wonderful and felt so much better, both physically and mentally. I wanted to be secure and feel better about myself also

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

It was very easy. I had medicare. They approved it and I found a wonderful doctor that accepted so many medicare patients a year, and I bugged him to death until he finally accepted me. It did take me 2 years from the time I started trying to get help until I finally got a date

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

Wonderful. He is a great man and very encouraging. I had Dr. John Huse at St. Vincent Bariatric hospital in Indianapolis Indiana. Ask questions and you will get answers

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of having illinesses and not beinging able to walk. I was sick of myself and I was ready to die

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor decided that 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 was a little apprehensive, but if you aren't you aren't human. I wanted to gewt healthy, but I decided I didn't have a life the way it was, so if I died during the procedure then at least I wouldn't hurt anymore

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 was against it at first, but decided if that was what I wanted, then go for it. He knew it meant a lot to me. My mother and other family members were all for it , If I thought that was the right thing to do. After the surgery and through all the things I have been through since then, thbey havew all been very supportive

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

wasn't working at the time

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 great. They got me up walking immediately. I was there 3 days, and everybody there was just great. The things you need to take is courage, positive attitude and a supportive family. Really you may wwant to take a gown, robe and all your insurance information and medicines you are on

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

No I didn't have any complications . In fact I felt so well I wondered if the doctor really done the 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 ready. I thought it couldn't get here soon enough. I prepared ahead of time for what I might need when I got home, such as the protein drink.

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

I felt great. I felt better about myself. I was already feeling the effects of the surgery, because I was a diabetic and I was off the insulin shots the day I had the surgery and never hasd to take them again

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

I go to TOPS CLUB because there is no bariatric group in my area for support. My friend also had bariatric so we support each other also

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

My scar is very small, you can hardly see it

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau about 6 months after surgery. I had lost 90 pounds, but I discovered I had breast cancer and I had to go through a masectomy and chemotherepy, so that could have had something to do with the progress. I hav since lost all the weight my doctor suggested.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am more confident now and I was amazed at the people who wouldn't be associated with me before that now wants to be my friend.