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

I found out about bariatric surgery through the media initially. Then I began to research it. I was afraid of it at first.

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

I did not meet the criteria so I did not qualify.

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

I was miserable and nausiated. I tried to sleep through the waves of nausea. I was there 2 nights. Bring a person that loves you for support...all else matters not.

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

no

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 was excited only.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I was really sick. I doubted my decision to have the surgery a few times because I was so sick. It passed though and thank God I had the surgery!

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

Dr Chung has a wonderful support group one a month. His assistant Marcie is always on call for the most trivial question at any time. I could not ask for more help or support from his office.

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

5 small incisions about an inch long each. It isn't bad at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has been 10.5 months since my surgery and I haven't stopped losing yet, although the weight loss has slowed to about 3 to 4 pounds a month .

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No