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

I found out about it approx. 3-4 years ago. I thought it was a godsend. I was also scared and skeptical about it. I wanted to do a complete research on it. I knew insurance wouldnt pay for it. I wasnt ready to take such a drastic step, all the while getting fatter and fatter.

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

Right now I am just going through the steps required. I sent a letter to my insurance company from my primary physician, and Blue Cross Blue Shield send a letter back to him saying that they needed information from the actual surgeon. I contacted Dr. Scott's office here in Rome, and attended my information session in november. Im on my last step as of march 1st which is the psych evaluation. If Dr. Scott doesnt think i need a sleep study, then he will send my packet off to BCBS for approval. I spoke with my insurance company rep. and they informed me the surgery is covered as long as it is medically necessary.

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

I had my first visit with dr. scott on March 18. He took alot of notes. Asked me alot of questions. I had alot of blood drawn, about 10 vials (big and little vials). He scheduled a surgery date for May 3. Now its just a waiting game with the insurance company.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My back hurt all the time. I was falling all the time due to joints giving way. I was diagnosed with degenerative joint and disc disease. I have arthritis in my knees and hips. I have bulging discs in my lower back. There are emotional reasons also. I have 3 daughters, a granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. I want to be here for them. I want to play with them and go places with them. I want to attend school functions with them. I want to live a normal life. I want to dress and bathe myself. I want to cook for my family and shop for my family. I want to breathe normallly. I want to be able to dress myself, and put my own shoes on. I want to LIVE!!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the Gastric Bypass because it seemed the most permanent. It seems the most lasting and most beneficial. I dont see how i can cheat the "system" so to speak. It also seems the hardest. They (people who have had the surgery) say that for the first time they know what it feels like to feel full. I would like to know what that feels like, to feel full and feel satisfied.

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 fear dying. I fear leaving my children and grandchild. Im scared of leaving them for my husband to raise alone. I am scared of leaving him. He is my best friend. He is my rock and my guide. I am more afraid of dying a painful slow death from obesity. i am more afraid of living the rest of my life on all the medications i am on now. I am more afraid of living my life with severe depression and paranoia and sleepless nights. I am more afraid of living the rest of my life confined to the chair and house. I am more afraid of living unhappy. I am more afraid of living in the condition i am living in now. The benefits far outweigh the risks.

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 are scared for me. but they know how i have struggled. They want what is best for me. My husband and best friend is behind me all the way. He is even willing to cash in his retirement to help me pay for what insurance doesnt pay for. Does he love me or what???

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

I am unable to work because of my weight. Not only because of my inablility to work because of health, but because of discrimination. I have an excellent resume and do wonderfully on interviews. I feel strongly that i dont get hired because of my weight.

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

I had a nice stay. Of course you cant sleep at night, but that was to be expected. I loved my nurses. They were wonderful!! I was there for 3 days and didnt even get charged for the 3rd day!! The most important thing after surgery is MOVE MOVE MOVE. Gas was a pain in the rear!! Moving helped alot.

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

No complications.

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 can breathe, walk up and down stairs, no aches and pains from my degenerative joint and disc disease, no arthritis pain in hip or knees!! I am even cleaning my house!! Hardest is making meals last 30 minutes.

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

Soreness, easily tired, no appetite, some nausea, people should expect some grouchiness, irritability, and to wait on you hand and foot so you can rest!! lol.

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

Traveled from silver creek to rome approx 20 miles.

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

Scars are barely visible.