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

An old friend of mine and I had looked into it a lil bit and thought it would be good for us. My ex husband freaked out and said NO. I tried to discuss it with him and he didn't want to even think of it. The minute he left in May of 05 to be with this other friend mind you, I started talking about it with another friend of mine cuz she was about to have it done. Even though I saw what she went through, I still wanted it. She had alot of complications with her surgery and to this day has a hard time eating still. I ended up having my surgery on August 30th of 2006 and am very happy I did it. I did this for my back. I wasn't able to have my back surgery I needed without getting the weight off first. I thank that man for leaving everyday when I wake up to such a great life now and a new husband that supports me about my health.

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

I called my Primary Dr and told her I wanted to get the approval to get a consult and she told me what I had to do and I was accepted with the 1st letter. I didn't have any issues with my insurance company at all however if your having problems with them then I would keep on top of it and fight for what YOU need!

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

I had a private room, beautiful hospital in fresno, Ca. Fresno Heart Hospital. I had the same nurses both days i was there. They treated me so well and my family and friends who came to visit. I arrived at 5am on August 30th of 2006. my surgery was the 1st scheduled that morning. Surgery was at 7am. I was in my room by 11am. I was up and running circles around the nurses and they released me the next day at 1pm. I brought very loose pajama's and slippers. it's cooler in the hospital. I also brought my cell phone and was online the whole time lol Just make sure your doing what the Dr is wanting you to do.

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

My only complication was 3 week after surgery my bypass from the small intestine to the new pouch tried to close on me 2 times. It had to be opened by scoping my throat with a balloon while I was under. I'd do it again if need be. No pain or anything. Just uncomfortable with food backing up in your throat.

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 very anxious and happy. I was worried if it was going to help me or not with my back and it did. I dropped alot of weight and I did end up haviing my back surgery and now I'm doing great!

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

You're going to need to take things slowly and remember to chew chew chew. Drink alot of liquids. And Follow Dr orders. You'll hate chicken broth by the end of your 1st week but you'll survive lol

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

I never had a support group I went to. I have a wonderful support system with my family and friends. All of them have been there for me. Without the support I had, I wouldn't of healed as well as I did. Keeping a non stress healing atmosphere is very crutial for healing.

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

I have 5 lil 1 in scars on my tummy from the laproscopic procedure I had. You can barely see them now. Way better than I expected :o)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I basically plateaued about 9-12 month after surgery. I haven't been unhappy at all with any aspect of this surgery for me. I had this surgery when it was right for me and if I would of had it earlier in life I wouldn't of healed this good. I didn't have the support of my x husband and that would of damaged my healing process!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I do. I was happy being heavy also. Ive never had a bad self image. I do notice how people treat me now apposed to before. I actually had someone make a comment oneday about another lady in a wheelchair in front of us. This lady said thats what happens when you sit home all day and eat. I WAS APPAULED! I turned to her and said that how could she say something like that when I was 296 lbs at my heaviest. I said you'd never would of known if I hadn't said anything to you but you have no right talking about others like that when you have no clue why she is that way. Most heavy people don't eat alot and some do. I was very angry...