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

I saw it on tv. (Thanks Carnie) I wanted to run out and do it right then.

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

I cried when I got my first letter saying I wasn't approved but I kept on fighting and it is worth it!

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

5 days, I just wanted to leave!! Get up and move as soon as you can

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 had my molments when I regreted what I did but this too shall pass

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

Bread, ground meat are still hard on me at 11 months out. I can't eat any sugar.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Have a job for the first time in 10 years!! In a preschool and the kids can't keep up with me

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

My sister in law and I started a group in our area because there wasn't one. I enjoy getting together and sharing stories

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

I have alot of skin but the scar isn't to bad

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes, people are more open to me. People just actually treat me better with more resepect