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

I had heard about it from a girl that had a lap band trial surgery and looked into bariatric surgery further.

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

The doctors office did it for me and got it approved the first time.

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

My first meeting was a long process ,I first met with Yvonne the director of bariatric surgery.She described every surgery available and what the benfits were.She also explained the risks and the differences betwenn all of the surgeries.She gave me the option of deciding on which surgery I was interested in and coming back to discuss it.I was sure that the Rny was for me if it could be done laprscopicly.I went in to meet with the doctor who showed me pictures of the procedure and explained everything from soup to nuts and 4evaluated me for the lap procedure.He said I was an excellent canidate and set up my pre surg work up.Ask all the questions you have no matter how stupid you may think they are.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was excited that I would finally have my life back and that I could enjoy my children.I decided almost immediately.

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

My stay at thre hospital was great,I had a morphine pump and had the option to control my pain when I needed to.The nurses and pain management team were excellent and were really on top of my comfort and anything that I needed.I was in the hospital for 3 days <I went in on May 9th and came home on May 12th.I would bring a small pillow with you,it helps when you need to get up or do your deep coughing after surgery.

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 felt alive and motivated,I did have periods of fear about what my life would be like as a thin person and how I was going to schedule my meals around my children,but it works itself out .

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

My doctor provides a post op group that I have been unable to attend since herniating two discs in my back, but it is very important.

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

My scars are minimal .I only have two that are noticeable and they are about an inch or less long.It is less than what I expected to have.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am actually ayt a plateau now,I have been pretty much on bedrest since hurting my back on June 3rd.I am not eating very well and not ambulating very much at all either so I have only lost 8 lbs in the last three weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are surprised at how much weight I have lost and most are really excited for me and it is like one big celebration.