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

I first found out about Bariatric surgery from Obesityhelp.com and kept going back and fourth reading the different articles they had. Then I was reading sucess storys on how much weight was lost in such a short period of time. My first impressions was no one can lose 100 lbs in less then a year. But this has proven me wrong.

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

With this I must say I did nothing. I have Healthnet Insurance, I gave my card in to the assistant and the next thing I know. I have a date. I was so excited for this. I am sorry for the people who cannot get an approval.

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

My first visit was like, I was sitting there and just listening to Dr Heron. He explained everything to me, I kinda kept asking him like stupid questions, but he said to me that there is no stupid question. He mad me feel as if I was the most important person. I was using up so much time and I got really nervous for the other patients. But,I must admit, he put me at ease, explained it to me. How it can help me and my future. I have no complaints, I wished I did this a long time ago.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had too many problems with being over weight. I had high blood pressure, back and neck problems(due to a fall, tested for type 2 diabeties, tired all the time, sick with colds. I needed to do something different and when I went into his office and he explained everything to me. My biggest questions was "HOW SOON CAN I HAVE SURGERY". Dr Heron said, it was all up to me and my tests that we have to go through. I am so happy that I did it I wished I knew about this tears ago.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not want the lap band, because I did not want to go back and fourth to tighten it up all the time and you don't lose most of your weight. I felt that the RNY was the best for me. It is a little more extreme, but you lose about 80-90% of your weight.

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 fears, I knew that I was in the right hands. I knew that I was not going to die, my number is not yet. They really go through everything with you and they make it very relaxing for you. It did not even feel like surgery. I would tell other people that time is near, stop thinking about having it done, just do it. I wished that I did this years ago. I still cannot believe that I had the surgery on October 7 and 2 weeks later I am down 23 1/2lbs. This is a miracle.

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 did not tell my family, this is what I want. My family would not really understand on how I feel about this subject. My husband was great and very very understanding. When I got out of the hospital, the care that I was given bby the hospital my husband just continued. I wish that the people out there that are thinking about this..don't think that hard...just do it...your life will change.....look at mine.

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

My stay in Mercy was like being royal. I must say that they gave so much. Very Very helpful. They kept on checking on me like it was no tomorrow. The Head nurse Anna, what a doll, there are no words to explain her, she is wonderful. The women that work there I give them so much credit in dealing with patients like us. They give and give all the support you need. The best is when Marie comes to you before surgery and tells you her story about herself, she also had the surgery and looks great. I have no complaints, and Anna still calls me to see how I am doing, after I already left the hospital.

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

i had no Complications from surgery, everyone fells soreness after that surgery.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Well, I was sore for about 2 weeks, but after I went to my doctor's office and got on the scale and found out that I was 23 1/2lbs lighter. I was thrilled to dealth. The only anxiety I really have is What to eat. I love pizza, I cannot put that through the blender like lasagna and meatballs. But soon I will be able to eat that pizza with salad on it. I am in no rush. It took me 7 years to gain this weight, I can wait alittle to take it off.

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

The support classes that we must attend are right in my area. They are held at St Francis, DeMattis Center in Roslyn. They are great, that is where you can ask the doctor what ever you need to know or any concerns that you have. They have hand outs all the time, the month of november they have. How to eat for the Holidays. They are so great and to hear all those people who lost so much weight. I am so happy that I am a part of that.

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

There are 5 lines ______ three on the top and two on the bottom. I am so glad that they did not have to open me up to do the surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

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Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well it is only 2 weeks out right now. People have been telling me for the past 7 years."You have such a pretty face, if you just lost some weight you would be georgous. Give me a break, I am still Mary. My husband and I would just listen and then laugh at the people.