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

A television comercial. Thought it was too extreme, but referred a friend. A year and a half later I was on the table!!! There really is a way, it is not easy, but it is possible and well worth it.

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

I had no difficulties with insurance approval. My advise would be to gather as much history as possible and have your family Dr. write a recommendation letter to the insurance co. as well as the surgeon and any other Dr. that would be appropriate.

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

My first meeting was difficult emotionally; having your picture taken and weighing in was hard for me. I hated hearing the words Morbidly Obese. But I also was beginning to think that someone could finally help me. Ask questions, go in knowing something about the surgery first.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 5'2" tall and weighed 293 lbs, I couldn't bend over without losing my breath; I was so uncomfortable that I really didn't think that there was any deciding to be done....I had to do it-to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't, the Dr. must have, because I was unaware of any choices.

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 never had surgery so I had no idea of what to expect; I was just plain afraid. Fear is natural, do not let it keep you from improving your life and life expectancy.

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 was very fortunate to have great support from family, friends, and coworkers both before and after my surgery.

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

I was the 3rd person in our company to have the surgery; they were very supportive and helpful. I was off work for 8 weeks.

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

I had my surgery in Addison, MI; this facility with the Bariatric Treatment Center only does Bariatric Surgery. I was in for 3 nights and did not have any problems, I also had the room to myself. The nurses were wonderful. The most important thing to bring would be large loose clothing to wear home.

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

No I did not have any major complications; my incision did have one small area that was irritated. Any problems and I would just call Addison, they were available 24 hrs a day.

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 was anxious. I was approved mid July 1998 and my surgery was scheduled for September 10, 1998. I was fortunate to have two coworkers that had the same surgery at the same place prior to my own. I was able to ask them questions and knew them well.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Very painful. I had open RNY and it was difficult to sleep and get around the first week and a half. The post op diet was difficult but very necessary to stick to. That was the hardest.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

It was about an hour and a half drive. This did not affect my aftercare whatsoever. They were always just a phone call away.

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

I have by choice not attended any support groups, although they are offered. This did not seem to have any negative effect for me.

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

Long. It is what I expected; it is not like I was ever going to wear a bikini anyway. The scar does not bother me at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did have plateaus throughout my weight loss, but I was told to expect them. I did not get caught up with rate of weightloss, didn't even record my loss regularly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not my friends, other than being really happy for me. I do notice that guys hold the door open for me now more than ever before.