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

I knew someone in college who had it done and she had HUNDREDS of kidney stones so had to have it reversed. This was about 20 years ago. I have a high school friend who married a doctor and she actually specializes in weight loss, so I had my husband see her and she told us about this surgery and how it is much better. This is probably about 2 years ago. He had his surgery in December, has lost 80 pounds; is doing excellent.

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

My approval was so easy and I think that is because Dr. Brody's office made it easy. I basically just had to sit back and wait. Apparently, they told me that they needed a weight history letter from my doctor before they would approve it. My husband's surgery was approved and he never got this. I got one but when I called to find out where to send it, they told me that it was approved already.

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

Just read up on the surgery; I work at the Cleveland Clinic and they have a web site (www.CCF.com) where you can look this up. I also looked up on other websites so I could see there were differences about the surgery. He explained it very thoroughly. I asked about the complications and if they would have to go back in.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I'm sick of being fat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This is the only one my surgeon does and my surgeon is the only one my insurance company will cover.

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?

Some family members and friends still don't think I need the surgery. They just don't understand; they are skinny. Of course they don't!!

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

Not doing too much; I had so much pain for 4 weeks.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I had a lot of dumping if I ate sugar. It wasn't as bad as I have heard - for me anyway. It hasn't happened for a while. I tried to watch what I ate.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

I had a lot of pain that lasted for about 4 weeks. That was the worst. Thank goodness the doctor's office was so understanding and called in pain meds when I needed them. I went back to work after 5 weeks but was still having pain.

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

WLS support group; meets once a month. It is EXTREMELY helpful. I get lots of good ideas and recipes!

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

Wide. No, but I have an incisional hernia and when I get that repaired, I am hoping the doc can thin out my scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Just have been on a plateau in the last couple weeks. So, I am trying to cut calories and exercise more. It's a little frustrating. For a year, I could eat what I wanted and still lose; now I have to watch.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are nicer to me; although I am friendlier, too, because I feel better about myself.