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

One of the specialists I was seeing for one of my many co morbidities had referred me, And to be honest I was terrified. I was only given two months to live WITHOUT bariatrics, therefore, my research time, and "thinking" time, didn't really exist.

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

Thankfully, I had amazing insurance, I had no issues getting approved. Actually given the nature of my circumstances, they had to actually expedite my approval because the time frame usually taken to approve or deny was not in my life expectancy given.

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

ASK ASK ASK ASK everything, even what you may not want to hear answers to, you are individual, as are all patients, and you cant expect the same outcome as any other person, we've all had our "own " journey..but given you have time, and resource, research as much as you can..We all know the only dumb questions are those not asked. This is your life, ask ask ask..!! I had an AMAZING Doctor..I wold recommend him one million percent!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Again, I had health issues that I was not going to be able to recover from without the surgery, I had to , or I was going to die, I was 36..3 kids, a whole life in front of me, and it was slipping thru my grasp..I didn't want to die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with my surgeons recommendation, I trusted him, I talked to as many people as i could that had had him as a Dr, and had the procedure, and in the big picture, he decided which would benefit me, and my circumstances.

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 didn't fear the surgery, I feared NOT having it , Once I learned that it wa my ONLY option, I just prayed that my body would hang on until the surgery had a chance to do what it does. What I would say to other people considering this, ?.. Your not healthy now, you have probably already tried and failed other options. Once your health deteriorates enough to even think about bariatrics ( as this isnt for someone that needs to lose 25 - 50 pounds) Youre most likely in metabolic shut down. I was, in which case...no matter what I ate, when I ate, or if I ate.my body couldnt,metabolize anymore, so therfore I just gained gained gained. If thats where you are, death is imminent any way, its only a matter of time, and I say that candidly because honesty with yourself and family is the only way to be from now on. If your obesity is already counting your life down, than why be so afraid of something that WILL give you new tools to a new life, Its really a no brainer.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I loved my meeting with them, The seminar ended up also being the majority of the people that I also attended my support meetings with..those support meetings are youre life line, Because no one knows what this lifestyle is like until or unless they have lived it.

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

Bring your own pillow, ..lol, I stayed an A-typical 4 days due to some medications I was previously on pre surgery, that I could not just stop taking, but because of the surgery HAD to stop, so they needed to monitor me and make sure that I was not going to have adverse reactions to NOT taking the meds. I went to THE TOLEDO HOSPITAL, they have an amazing bariatrics program, the staff is awesome, and caring, I wouldn't have changed a thing!!

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

I have been lucky..4 years out now, and no complications.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Having the JAKE Drain removed..lol, that was the worst part of it all.

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

NO scars..really..none.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People do treat you different, and it will bother you for a while, but over time, you will realize its just another form of ignorance that exists, and we are only responsible for our own actions an reactions..give a big ole wooossaaa breath, and roll with it.