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

My sister had surgery and I was so excited and impressed for her. It made me ready to have surgery.

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

My employer at the time was a physician. He had been encouragingme to lose weight. He and his wife (a physician for an insurance company) reviewed the duodenal switch. They both agreed I needed to do it. He made sure the insurance covered my surgery.

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

I was in for 5 days and I was in ICU for a day. Just use the bariatric gowns there. Bring things to encourage you, like books, etc.

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

Yes, I had severe sleep apnea, so when I woke up from surgery I was on a vent for 24 hours in ICU. Then on oxygen for a few days. But that resolved quickly and I immediately got busy doing my part by eating right and exercising.

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 did things, I had never done before... like I got a will as I was a single parent with 3 children. But other than that, I was fine.

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

To be surprised at the small amount they can eat. And to exercise even if it is walking to the mailbox and back. I was back at work in a week. 3 weeks later I was traveling for my job cross country flying. I had lap surgery.

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

After surgery, I was the support group leader for over a year, so that helped because I knew people looked at me for advice and to see how I did.

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

Not much had it lap. After plastic surgery most of the lap incisions were removed when they removed skin.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, men opened doors for me, etc.