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

My son had seen something about this type of surgery and told me about it. He went on line and got me all the info. My whole family has been very supportive.

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

I really didn't have any problems with the insurance company except they wanted a list of all the diets, dates, and any weight loss that I had with each try. That was very hard to try to recreate.

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

My first meeting was a group meeting where a spokes person told you about the surgery, what to expect and answered questions. It was very helpful because people would ask questions you may have forgotten to ask if it was one on one.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was at my whits end. I have lived overweight since I was 19 and I am now 49... I want the next half of my life to be full of energy and to finally be slim again.

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

I was at the Atlanta Medical Center, was a little afraid at first because I was told it was like Grady. Grady is a wonderful hospital but it is a little wild. The Atlanta Medical Center was absolutely wonderful. I have been in several hospitals around Atlanta over the years and this one gave me the best treatment by far!!! I was only there 1 day and everything was great

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

I only had trouble with morphine. It gave me a bad headache. I told the nurse just to give me tylenol after they removed the pump. I didnt need pain killers. I have lived in pain most of my life and this little discomfort was nothing!

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. I just couldnt wait until the day got here. The only anxiety I got was when I was in a holding area waiting to go into surgery. I just started crying for no reason.

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

I really dont have one as of yet. I go in for a months follow up on 7-17 and it is supposed to be a seminar type setting.

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

I only have 4 tiny incisions since it was laproscoptic. Wonderful!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am post op 1 month and for app 4 days havent lost anything. I feel like the inches are moving though and I just started back to work. I havent walked either, trying to get back in the swing of things with work. I have to balance my walking and working together

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, I feel everyone at is very supportive and excited for me.