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

Several friends had it done, when they told me that food is not the focus of their life anymore, I had to have it. I didn't believe them but what difference did it make, I had tried everything else. They were right, I have become a real clock watcher because I never get hungry and I forget to eat. I eat by the clock because if I don't, I could starve my husband. He only eats when I do.

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

My advice to everybody is that they let the Michigan office do the work. It is a waiting game and the hardest part of the whole surgery.

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

My first meeting was probably the hardest thing I had to do. I felt more like a failure that day than any other day of life. When I walked through the doors of the BTC hospital, I knew I could control everything in life except eating. It was very hard to except that because I had a great life, two great children, I had been married 32 years, a great job. I just couldn't control my eating and binges. I kept asking myself WHY? When I saw all the pictures on the wall, it made me realize I wasn't alone. There are other people with great lives that can't control this food addiction either. My doctor,Dr.Berkowitz, put me at ease right away. And of course I started crying like a blithering idiot not realizing that it is probably a normal response to this frustration. I guess what I got out of my meeting that first time was the hope that I can lead a normal healthy life and be able to possibly walk without my legs and feet going numb. I am now walking 5 miles a day.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My back pain and buying a size 24.

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?

No one wants to die, but I guess I felt my life wasn't serving its full potential because my legs and feet were numb and I was off work on a disability. I love working and making money. I had worked for 23 years and wouldn't know what it was like not to get up and go to work in the morning. I also had a business to run on weekends. I guess I would have to tell others with the same fears,would be that every surgery (no matter how minor) can have complications, but that is where the feeling of trusting the doctor that is doing the procedure. If you are not comfortable with your surgeon, call Michigan for another consultation with a different surgeon. You must be able to like and trust your doctor. You can't go through this, thinking your doctor isn't thinking of your best interest.

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 had reservations because he never complained or made comments about my weight,but he knew I had to do something because I was getting more frustrated and in more pain everyday. My family thought it was the stupidist, craziest thing i had done in my life. My coworkers didn't know that I even had it done at first. I was already on disability for my back. I had so many relatives that had the stomach stapling and everybody thought I would have the constant vomiting. They have changed their outlook, even though they feel I am too thin now. I go by how I feel and I feel great and have maintained for 3 months, so now they are feeling better about it, especially since I don't get sick and my energy has soared.

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

My employer didn't know I was having this surgery because I was already on a disability because of my back. I told him about 6 months after surgery when he called me in to his office to ask if their was anything he could do help me. I was feeling great but I was having such a tremendous weight loss, they thought i was critically ill. He said he didn't think anybody with cancer could possibly look so healthy. It was odd because not one person ever asked about the weight loss, they assumed it had something to do with the disability. I was able to return to work after 8 weeks. The reason I was off longer than most is, I had a 25/30# weight restriction at work, so my orhtopedic doctor wouldn't let me go back.

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

I go to the Belvidere support group. I like helping the people that are knew to the surgery and people that have heard some horror stories that may have been stretched. We have a great group and answer a lot of question from people that are pre -surgery to five years out or more. I would recomend everybody to a support group.

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

My scar is a lot thinner than a thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I went from surgery to my goal with no plateaus. I am maintaining now.I go from 110 to 112. Back and forth for the last 3 months.But I worked at a very active job and I walked all the time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

There is a real discrimination to fat people in the world. Yes, people do treat me differently/ Especially men. I now get doors opened for me at stores, I get help getting those stupid carts apart in department stores, I've even had them ask if I need help carrying groceries and their wives are carrying theirs. It is a whole new world.