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

From a friend

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

I had cigna, and didn't have any problems with getting approved.

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

I liked the doctor immediately, but it went too quick and I thought of a million questions when I left his office

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided before I went in for the consultation

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

The first week was the hardest. I was only hurting from the actual surgery which I felt was normal

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

I traveled 60 miles one way, and I was happy to do it. Nobody wanted to travel to see me in the hospital, but I didn't care because I was doing this for me

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

Since I moved to Tampa, Florida I have not contacted a bariatric doctor yet, so I am more less on my own

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

a scar,normal

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had plateau's at 6 months and got nervous. Now I am 2 years and I have to watch my weight again because I can eat anything. You have to really learn to eat the proper way for the first 6 months or you will never eat right.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes definitely, When you are smaller, people treat you like a human being not like a fat person. Even the doctors see you differently.