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

It was by chance I came across a Doctor that didn't like what he heard nor what he saw not having the answer didn't just send me back to my PCD but sent me to "a Friend of his" at Mass. General Hospital. this took over 10 months of test and 4 diffrent Doctors for him to tell me I wasn't going crazy I had a very bad case GURT, Hiatal Hurna (?Spelling), scaring in my throat from asid, and a twist in my intestant. Surgery was need or I have a 95 % chance of esophical (?spelling) Cancer he felt I was too large for his surgery(s) with any success rate, but his partner did by-pass. He wasn't sure if I would qualify (for once I might be to small for something) Well to make a long storie short I had the surgery 6/21/02

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

It was very easy for me, I gave my insureance information to the doctors office and they got it done. I do not know of any problems

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

It went well, come with any and all your questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt I had no choice because of my medical problems...I didn't want cancer! If I could help it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

the choice realy was made for me I realy only had 1 opption.

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 put it in to gods hands he brought me to where I was for a reason, He waould get me thoght what ever happend.

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 left them out of the decission....untill I made it. I had to make this one on my own but then I had to educat them as much as myself so they could understan...some don't but they are the ones who didn't understand me to begin with. They all have been great ...i have to say this surgery brought my Mother and I together we have not been "realy Close" for year (another long storie) but she did come through for me in a big way for us. she came up and spent the week after surgery for me and you have now idea what that ment...and we had a great time. (it took alot to aske her but I did, and it was just as hard for her to do it) I am healing in many ways!!

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

they don't know I am a crossing guard so I have summers oof and I scheduled it around the time I have off.

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

at MGH weight center they have post-op group that meets 3 time and you can go to a monthly meetoing the rest of you life at the MGH I feel any support you can get when you do something this life changing is very importan!!

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

I can play conect the dots I have 5 1/4 inch scars . It's better than i expected

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none as of yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not realy