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

I first learned about the surgery from my hairdresser who has battled all his life with his weight. I couldn't believe that he was taking such a drastic step in his life. I remember leaving there telling a friend that I may be very overweight, but I don't believe that I would ever get that helpless that I would need to have surgery to do something about it. How blind was I? That's when I began my research on the surgery.

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

I have Kaiser and all I can advise is to be persistent. They are willing to help but if the particular doctor has never done this before then they aren't really sure of the procedures for Kaiser approval. I got lucky, had a very knowledgable doctor, and who was up on all the new steps that Kaiser wants the patients to take in this process. Be persistent and patient.

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

My first visit was great. My recommendation to someone getting ready to do this is to research, research, research. I went into that meeting with Dr. Halmi knowing exactly what was going to take place and really didn't have any questions at all. He was pleased that I came in with that knowledge.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I did a lot of research and then I just kept thinking that if there was really something there to help me, why was I continuing to feel this way when I could feel better. It's kind of hard to explain what finally did it, but I zeroed in on my health (which through all the tests I find that I am very healthy) and my life with my daughter. I want to see her through adulthood, her degree, her marriage, and her motherhood. I want many many more years with her. That is when I think it clicked with me that it was a good thing to do.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There's no question there. My doctors only do the open RNY.

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?

My surgery is tomorrow and I don't have a fear of dying or complications. I have been through surgery before and I know my body. If you do what you are told and get up when you are told whether you want to or not - do it. It's going to probably hurt like hell to get out of the bed, but do it. You will be glad later on that you did.

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

My scar is about 3 inches long and right in the middle of my sternum, exactly where the doctor said that it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only reached a plateau a couple of times since surgery. Each time I changed my eating and increased my exercise and that enable me to drop 3-4 pounds and then I was on my way away. I have a tendency to eat carbohydrates so if I plateau I cut out the carbo's and icrease the vegetables.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people looking at me differently. They don't seem to watch me when I sit down (guess they were wondering if I would fit in the chair like I was wondering). Other than that, I notice people friendlier.