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

I had seen all the media hype about Carnie Wilson and Al Roker and knew a little bit about the surgery. Initially, I thought that is ridiculous. I have lost it before the old fashioned way and I will do it again. Problem is, when I lose it seems to have a way of finding me again:( So, when I started to put 2 and 2 together, aches pains, knee pain, can't sleep, GERD, shortness of breath, high cholesterol, feet swelling, unable to sleep in my bed, depression and family history of heart disease and cancer, I started to rethink the idea of surgery.

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

ANXIETY, fear, unknown. I am on week 2 of my wait for approval and it is driving me nuts. I want to find out now. I am sure that you have all been there. So, far nothing really unusual with the insurance, they want me to see a dietician, which is probably a good idea anyway. So, in the meantime we wait......

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

Dr. Bruce Hardy seems to be a very competent surgeon and I really appreciated his honesty and time he took to answer all of my questions. I think before your consult, you really should have a good grasp of the surgery, the diet after, exercise and risks. I just think that way you have a perfect opportunity to ask those questions face to face before you make your final decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to wake up and feel good, I want to feel good about myself again, I want my kids to be proud of me. Maybe some day, I can wake up one morning and not think about my weight for one day!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr recommended this procedure.

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 was afraid that I may not wake up, or that something would go wrong with surgery. You must have faith in your surgeon and know that you picked him for a reason and trust your instincts.

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 immediate family has been very supportive. They see a huge difference in how I feel and look now and know that it was the best decision for me.

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

I was out of work 3 weeks.

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 6 days. My stay was fine, the hospital needs to work on their menu for bypass patients.

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

The only problem that I have had post op is reflux. I have been taking Tagamet or Zantac over the counter to deal with this.

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

No support program, mostly friends and family and this website.

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

My scar has improved greatly one year post op. It was larger than I expected, and the scar was rope-like in the months following surgery, but now at one year it is smoother and much lighter than I imagined it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently at a plateau. My body seems to want to hold between 138-140. I have been stuck here for a couple of months, but I haven't stepped up the exercise and am able to eat more than I could a few months ago.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think I get more notice from the opposite sex, which is flattering, but also a little perplexing because I still feel like the "fat girl" the outside looks a lot different, but the inside still has to be worked on.