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

my friend had gastroplasty in 2005 , i was against it , but when i heard her tell me the reasons for her getting the surgery, i realized that I too was unhappy with my weight.

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

It was quite easy , i was approved by Provincial health care due to past health history within weeks.

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

48 hours in total from start to finish , the staff were great and the most important thing for me to bring was my supplies for my monthly visitor!

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?

It happened all so quickly , I only had 2 weeks notice ! It was the best way to go, I did not have much time to get stressed over it , I had to get things prepared for Christmas , the time flew by!!

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

After the first week home , I felt almost normal and felt like I could have gone to work. I stressed a bit over the upcoming Christmas season and my lack of being prepared. Emotions can have a way of running away with you.

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

3 hours drive , I had to go on at least 6 visits to the hospital before the surgery.

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

my friends that have gone through this type of surgery plus sites such as this one. The support is crucial.

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

still visable , but well healed and it is smaller than what i thought it would be

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am in a plateau about now at 8 weeks , it was kind of slow 2 weeks ago too. the weight loss is not showing on the scale , but i am still shrinking.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

they are making comments regarding my weight loss and I feel I am taken more seriously