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

My pcp referred me to my surgeon five years ago. I called and got Dr. Murr's packet and after reading it initially decided the surgery was not for me.

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

The best advice I can give is to get a list of what your insurance requires and then make sure you cross every T and dot every I.

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

My first visit was comfortable, honest and open. Dr. Murr made sure I was very informed and let me ask any and every question I had. He included my mom in the question. He even asked her questions. Make sure your informed when you walk into that office. Have a support person with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to die at a young age.

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

I was in the hospital for five days. Everyone except the first floor nice I encountered was wonderful and very knowledgable in RNY. The most important thing for me to bring was my husband. I was to uncomfortable without him there.

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

I had a dilated bowel and all I had to do was pass gas to clear it up. About 10 days after I came from surgery I was diagnosed with pnuemonia. I am still being treated for it.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The first week after surgery I was in lala land. Subsequent weeks I begin to experience numerous different emotions. I would be happy then sad. I'd get angry at food commericals. I would talk about my feelings with my mom or my angel Kim.

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

Dr. Murr has a post-op group set up. I haven't attended yet but I plan too. I have also leaned on friends Marla, Kim and Kathy as support.

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

My scar is about 12 inches long. It runs from the end of my breast bone to my navel. I expected it to be there but I wasn't prepared for it. At times I become very selfconcious about it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

This past week I was so sure I would have lost another five pounds. Instead I maintained. It was a little disappointing. However I had to remind myself that it was better than gaining.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People seem to like to touch my face a lot now. And it drives me bonkers!! Maybe because of all the doctors and nurse but I don't like to be touched by a lot of people.