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

my doctor had recommened it for me after my last bout at the hospital. my blood pressure was getting worse and I had a mini-stroke and had lost the felling of my face on the right side for about two months. I was worried and afraid of the thought of the surgery. You know you here all the horror stories, and everyone has one!

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

At the time i had lost my job because of my health and had to go on medicaid for a awhile. I was approved the first time I didn't have any problems at all. I've heard other insurance companies and medicaid in other states can be hard to work with but I think becuase of my health issues they had no other choice but to approve

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

Dr. Cerabona and Dr. Aturo where very informative and really made me feel comfortable. they answered all of my questions I had had and tsome I didn't even think of. when you have your first meeting ask any question you can think of none is to small or great get all the info you can so your informed of the pro's and con's. get as educated on this as possible.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

i couldn't take living like this anymore. And being inspired by Roseanne Barr and Carnie Wilson. I felt if it worked for them I had to give it a chance. Any change in the quality of my life would be an improvement!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctors helped me they only did two procedures and simple stapling was my first choice. I didn't want any thing foriegn in my body or my entire stomach removed. My procedure was what I felt would be the best.

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 major fear was that I wouldn't make it off the table. It was so bad I even cancelled my date once but with prayer I got the will to go through with it. Everybody has fears when it comes to any major surgery but i always say to people deciding to have the surgery to just make sure if this is your last resort take the risk. Anything is better then living in body that won't let you live the life you want!

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 family was against me having the surgery from day one! They were all afriad that i would fail at keepin gthe wait of or wind up bursting the staples before i heeled. But i had to tell them that I was doing this for me and only me and that God would see me through this. I had to do what i had to do to make me happy no one else can do that for me! Now everyone is so proud and excited for me! That can't believe the change and regret not being more supportive off me int he beginning.

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

My stay in recovery was excellent the nurses where the best and where attentive and caring. I was there for 5 daysand in a regular ward for two. And as long as I had tv i really didn't need anything ......oh yeah and make sure you get your phone on......talking to someone while your going through this is always good.....

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

During surgery i hasd an asthma attack and the surgery took a little longer than usual. When i woke up i was on a respirator and all my family and close friends surrounding me. I did scare everybody but I pulled through from then on I was determined to get out of there and start my lif eover again!

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

I had laproscopic surgery done so I ahve 5 small little scars nothing major and I can certainlyu live with them!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau after the first 60pds cam off. I was worried that that was it! But after a week it started again. it would come off fast then slow back and forth and now i'm just maintaining!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes! People find it easier to approach me now. Their more friendly. It's kind of sad to really feel the dicrimination you get notice from thinner people and how your treated ounce you lose the wait. Sometimes it pisses me off!