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

I saw a Dr. in Texas but he was not interested in helping me. I also was searching about information about the different surgeries.

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

I did not have to do anything Samantha at Dr. Madura's nurse took care of everything for me.

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

Oh my! when I first met Dr. James Madura he was so nice to me and so caring, he asked me about the different diets i had been on and why did I want to go this route.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Just plan Fat and mad at myself and wanting a different disciplined life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My Doctor told me of the one that was the safest.

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 had no doubt about the surgery or dying I figured I would die if i kept on living the way i was. Don't fear a life changing experience.

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?

My mom and my cousin was the only ones i told at first. I didn't really care what anyone thought because it was my fat and my life. My family was so supportive, some comments were " can't get use to this!" and my response was "And!"

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

My stay was good, I stayed in the hospital 3 days. Bring yourself and a good mind.

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

No,

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 pretty good but I did get very deathly ill from the resident at the hospital gave me liquid Tylenol (sorbitol) it almost Killed Me!

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

I attend Rush Pres. Hospital support group every second monday of every month. It is very important, alot of answers to questions answered.

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

Small very small

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I started out 345.0 and now i am 155.8

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes friends I had then are gone (just one left). Just strange looks.