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

I met a girlfriend that had the surgery a couple of years ago. She explained the procedure and showed me pictures of the before. it was amazing. I was immediately interested.

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

Originally, I was with Cigna PPO. After 13 weeks they never responded to the request. I met all the criteria. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to change to Florida Helath Options. The request was approved in 5 weeks. That was a little slower than what I was told. Cigna is very tough. If anyone can change they should.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health has deteriorated over the past year and I want to see my grandchildren grow up. I'm not ready to leave them. i also saw for myself how bariatric surgery can give someone a new life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Unfortunately, I am not in the financial postition to choose. My insurance will not pay for the lap.

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 have been a smoker for 34 years now and fear my lungs will not be clear enough. I understand that the number 1 fatality reason is respitory complications. I'm very nervous about it. I have one month left before surgery. I had hoped I could quit but no such luck yet. I will keep trying but will a short time be enough time?

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 husband was dead set against it. We have been arguing for the past year about it. I finally convinced him to come to the educational seminar with me. What a difference that made. Now he is very supportive and vows to help me the best way he can.

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

My scar is still quite pink but then again I am very fair complected. It is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Since I entered carbs back into my diet I have lost little to nothing. It's very frustrating since I tolerate carbs easier. I have difficulty swallowing meats.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I actually get spoken to by stangers. My peers at work are much friendlier. They it's my personality that changed. Maybe, but I think theirs have too!