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

I really didn't think much about it...I hadn't realized how much weight I had gained as I had gotten older. One day I took a good look at myself and thought "who is that fat chic?" At that point I started doing research.

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

Don't take no for an answer.

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

My first visit was good...I had done lots of research prior to making my decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing my father and noting his health conditions while being overweight.

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 really didn't have any fears...I looked at it as either I would die young due to a heart related issue or I could do everything within my power to make changes.

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 mother thought I was overweight but really didn't support the surgery therefore, I really didn't tell anyone until just a few days prior to my surgery date.

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

LOL....time off of work....how would you react if an employee said "oh...by the way...."

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

It was ok....good drugs. I gown....I really slept more then anything.

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

I was sick for about the first six months...

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 very excited....prayed a lot.

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

Sore - it was hard cooking for my family and not being able to eat...very much a mental thing.

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

I traveled about 300 miles. I able to utilize the support group and the hospital but I did find several online groups to join.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I suffered and still do suffer from many of the side affects....nausea ~ I really have to watch what I eat. There are some days in which I can eat something then a day later if I try to eat it I end up sick. Sleep disturbance ~ I really have to keep a close eye on my vitamin intake. Dumping ~ I pretty much stay away from the foods which cause this...need I say more. Hair loss ~ again...I just really watch my diet.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The overall changes between my spouse and I ~ he did become much more possessive.

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

I joined online groups ~ I feel this was very important for me.

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

I have seen a lot worse.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Is this really a serious question.....of course there is a HUGE difference in how I was treated before. I really didn't notice it until I started going out with my girlfriends who are of different sizes and I see how the smaller ones are treated better then my bigger friends.