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

I found about it in magazine articles. Also watching different talk shows like Oprah. I finally found a web site that gave me lots of information.

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

My insurance was great. Once they received the claim, it was approved 24 hours later via FAX.

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

My first visit was a good experience. The Doctor was very informative and explained the procedure to me. The staff was very nice and made me feel at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I fianlly decided to have the surgery when I realized I would never have any other chance of ever losing weight successfully. I want so badly to feel good. I want to be able to get down on the floor and play with my granchildren. I want to go to regular stores and buy clothes off the rack.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor made that decision for me. I trusted him completely.

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 never really afraid of dying. Too many people have had this done and you don't hear of many people not surviving. I am pretty healthy except for my weight and blood pressure which was controlled with medication. I felt it I didn't do this my life was in more jeopardy with all the extra weight.

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?

I did't tell alot of people. I didn't want them to talk me out it. My husband knew of course. He was in favor of it 100%. Now that my family knows they are very excited 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 only told my office manager. Again I did not want anyone to talk me out it. I am only 2 weeks post op so I have not returned to work yet.

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

My hospital stay was fine. Of course I was uncomfortable with pain, but I knew the reards would be worth it. I kept visualizing my new look in my head. I was in 5 days. You should bring slippers, a robe, things to keep you occupied like magazines, books or some other hobby. I felt better bringing my make-up.

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

Yes I did. I became allergic to milk after surgery. I never was before. It was hard because I had to drink the protein drink with Soy. I also had trouble with the incision in my belly button. I had to go to the Doctor every dayto have it packed.

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 a really good attitude. I was excited for the surgery even though I knew I would have pain. I knew the rewards of losing weight would far out weigh the discomfort.

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

The first few weeks you are very weak. I would get tired easily. The first 10 days I lost 18 pounds. When you see the weight fall off you, it is wonderful. You just know each day will get better.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I had surgery about 18 miles from my home. I was very lucky my surgeon was so close.

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.

At first you eat only liquids. You take just a few bites, and you areso full. The longer I was away from sweets and carbohydrates the easier it was.

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

You can barely see it. Today is my one year anniversary.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had plateaus. The longest I went was 5-6 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very definately!!!!!! Everyone does. I have had men notice me now, where they would not before.