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

A friend from work had the surgery. My first impression: AWESOME PEOPLE

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

Although I would have liked to have had the insurance company approve me faster, I really never had any problems with them. They approved everything the first time that it was presented to them.

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

Informative and a bit scary. I really felt like I was on my way. Write down any questions you might have. It will help with the first visit tremendously. I was so nervous I forgot to ask what I wanted to know. Thankfully, Patty is very helpful and knowledgeable.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My desire to be healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading and asking lots of questions.

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 thought for sure my stomach would pop open. I feared not waking up after the surgery. I actually felt terrified the morning of the surgery. Relax and put your trust in your doctor's and the man upstairs.

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 husband was very unsure, although very supportive. I am fortunate to have someone that caring. My mom wanted what was best for me. I had a lot of negative feedback from friends. Since my surgery, they have been very supportive and helpful. Their attitudes have changed.

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

I go to a support group once a month. Helpful? Extremely. Important? Vita to your success!

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

It goes from my breast bone to my belly button. Yep.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Very few, usually around my period.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sometimes. Usually people I don't know. I was very fortunate that I never felt that I was treated differently because of my weight,