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

Bariatric surgery is for supermorbidly obese people who have no self control - or so I used to think. Gaining over 100 lbs in short space of time put paid to that. My lifestyle changed with a legal secretarial desk job and long commute. Biking wasnt an option. The weight piled on. My brother passed away from diabetes, as had my grandma before him. WLS is a lifesaver.

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

I am a private payer.

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

I havent met him yet.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My 39-year old brother died of weight related diabetes, as did grandma B.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

DS maintains long term weight loss best, and is a true double procedure i.e. restrictive AND malabsorptive.

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 am still afraid but I have to do what I have to do. Will keep you posted.

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?

i will let you know after surgery....stay tuned.

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

Very supportive.