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

I first learned from a friend who had it done. I started thinking about it from then on. I knew that I didn't want to be fat all my life. I learned everything about it possible. I did research after research. I knew this was for me. My family on the other hand begged me not to. I was considered to be a difficult to be put to sleep, and knew that each time I'm put to sleep I might not weak up. But this something i did souly for myself.

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

My advise would be don't give up. Keep calling, keep tring, keep pressuring them. Just don't ever give up.

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

Be prepared to ask alot of questions..don't be afraid to ask questions.. your Doctor knows the surgery and everything you will be going through. My first visit was the greatest. That day I knew that I was going to have surgery no matter what I had to do. Doctor Edward Facundus of Huntsville, AL was my surgeron and he was wonderful. I owe him the world. I am forever thankful for what changes he has allowed me to make within myself. I have tried so many diets that it's not even funny. This by far was the greatest thing I've ever done.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had back surgery for the second time in December 2002. The doctor's told me that I had to lose weight or I might have to haqve a fusion on my back and an ankle replacement. I've had 3 surgerues on my ankle. I stopped breathing in dec. 2002 after surgery in recovery because the doctors said that my neck was so thick that it was cutting off my air way. I stayed in intensive care for a few days. That really scared me and my family. I knew then that I had to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did alot of research and I learned everything that I needed to know about the surgery. I talked with my doctor and staff their at his office and learned everything that I could possibly learn.

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 guess that I would say that I really didn't fear dying from surgery. I feared dying in my sleep at home in my bed and my children coming in and finding me. Because I sometimes would stop breathing in my sleep because of beng so over weight. I know that surgery is not for everyone. But it was the only decision for me.

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?

My family and friends have been very supportive. Of course they was worried, but they knew that I had my mind made up and that I was going to do it. So I guess they had no choice but to be supportive ...lol.... I was very open and honest with my kids and I told them all the risk. They where worried but they had also been in the room with me in dec. 2002 when i stopped breathing. so they knew that I had to do something or I was going to die.

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

At the time of surgery I was self employed. So I didn't have to deal with that.

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

Somefriends of mine and I have started our own support group. My friends have had surgery and we started out with only about 3 people at our meeting. We now have about 10. We meet nce a month and have only met for 4 months. We get a lot of support from each other. and we depend on each other alot.

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

My scars are slot smaller that I thought that they would be. you can hardley even see them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes,