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

I found out from the internet, did a lot of research. Was originally interested in the Roux-N-Y procedure, but decided that due to other medical problems, the Lap Band Procedure would be a better choice

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

I was told by my insurance company that I was covered as soon as the date was set. 4 days before surgery, the dr.'s biller called to say she could not get precertification. I contacted the co., they said pre-cert was not necessary and that all future bills should be sent to a specific dept. However, the biller did not follow my instructions and I just received a copy of the claim being rejected. Will call tomorrow and try to straighten this out.

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

The first visit was very positive. I went with a written summary of my health history and a list of questions. I didn't want to forget anything. I also listened carefully because, as it turned out, the procedure I wanted was not the best for me. I decided to have the lap band procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The benefits so outweighed the risks. I want to live as long and as healthy a life as I can. I was convinced that this is the only way to do it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I picked the Lap Band procedure because it was less invasive, would allow me to continue taking the medication that I must take because I have Lupus, and it could be reversed if my medical condition necessitates it.

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 some fears during the period from the scheduling of the surgery until the date of surgery. But I think because I picked this procedure they were minimal. I tried to focus on the post-op period. The things that got me through were confidence in my choice of doctor, speaking to other doctors about the procedure and the unqualified support of my family and friends.

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?

They were very excited and supportive. I am very lucky. I told them as much as I could because I felt that the more they understood about what was involved, the more they would feel like I did. At first I wasn't going to tell many people. But then I started thinking that since I felt this was such a positive thing for me to do, there was no reason to hide it.

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

I have great bosses and since I work very closely with them (they are the owners) I had to tell them everything. They were very happy for me and still are. I was out of work 6 days, even though I felt that I could have gone back sooner.

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

I have not been to a support group yet. I am due to see my dr for the first follow-up visit on 1/14/02.

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

My scars are very small. I have 3 scars that are less than 1", one scar that is about 1" and one scar that is about 21/2". I thought it would be much worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had any plateaus but I was a little nervous going back on solid food.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.