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

I had been shopping that day in a popular department store. There was a young lady (I use that term loosely) who was there with her two young sons. I heard her tell them, in the adjoinging aisle, to look at that nasty woman in the next row. I was far from "nasty", wearing my usual business suit, hair done professionally and very attentive to my personal hygiene. The two boys came over and began taunting me with typical children's comments about obesity. My 2 year old son (at that time) was with me. I didn't feel the need to correct the children as it was their mother who put them up to this cruelty and I didn't see the need to waste my time with such an uneducated, simple minded woman who was obviously doomed to a life of tunnel vision and ignorance. I left the store with my son and went back home to complete some work I had left from the day. I logged onto the internet and entered "weight loss surgery" simply wishing silently that it could just be true, that something so miraculous was available. When I pressed the enter key, many sites came up. I was astounded and researched until the wee hours of the morning. My research lasted for approximately 18 months, I found a surgeon, a procedure and many people and friends just like myself, who simply wanted peace and health. Long story but that was the beginning of my miracle. It's amazing what 2 poor little boys and one crude, uneducated woman can do for a lady.

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

My experience has not been entirely bad with Cariten. They have legitimate questions and I have given them educated, well researched answers. My PCP, surgeon and neurosurgeon have all been behind me 100% and are very supportive. I feel like the approval will come in time, everything has its own time in this life.

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

I met Dr. Husted at his seminar and then more one on one with my initial cosultation. I cannot relay enough positive information about this gentleman and his staff. I felt like someone who was looking for pity and an easy way out, which is definitely NOT my style. After speaking with him and his staff I seem to have regained my dignity a bit and feel much more confident about my decision and my future. I would also like to add that Jamie, Dr.Husted's nurse, is so kind and doesn't look at you as if you are a fat person standing there taking up space, but as a person who is desperate for help. She just opens up her heart and says, Let me help you. Love you Jamie! `

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

#1-My beautiful, intelligent, sensitive, loving, perfect, adorable, wonderful little 3 year old son, Justin. He is my entire life. #2-My health was getting steadily worse and my pain was steadily increasing. My son looked at me one morning, he is 3, and said "Does your back hurt mommy?" I knew I had to do something. #3-My family, I want to be able to help my mother and father, not be a continual burden to them, as I feel I am now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was dead set to have the Fobi when I went to Dr.Husted's seminar and received some information on the BPD/DS. After listening to him and further research I felt the BPD/DS was a better procedure for me.

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 am still experiencing these fears, however; they were greatly alleviated when I spoke to Dr.Husted about them at the initial consultation. He said that he felt I was an excellent candidate for the BPD/DS and that I would do fine. Coming from him, that meant everything.

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 parents are naturally worried, my friends are as well. They all understand my motivations and as they see my working toward this goal they seem to understand that this is very important to me. They are tentatively supportive. I haven't had surgery yet but I can tell you right now...my mother is going to worry about this forever; before, during and after. She is a great mom and loves me very much otherwise she wouldn't care. I am a very lucky young lady.

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

I have not had surgery yet but I have been very upfront about my intentions with my supervisor since I decided to do this. Brenda, she is my supervisor, is very supportive and curious. She simply asks that I give as much notice as possible. She has been great so far!

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

Hospital stay was fine, the nurse's were very friendly and helpful. I was at Baptist in Nashville for 5 days. Don't forget: long back scratcher or spoon (maybe bring 2, they have many uses), your own gowns and house slippers, personal hygiene items.

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

Not really. I went back to work much sooner than I really should have and got too stressed. I then developed colitis and became dehydrated which resulted in a 2 day hospitalization. No biggie.

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 tried to stay very busy and keep upbeat about it. Whenever I would become nervous I would remind myself of all of the reasons I was taking this route.

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

I go to my local support group as often as possible. I have several friends who are having the surgery or have had the surgery. They are wonderful support.

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

My belly looks like the Bride of Frankenstein at the moment but will get better. Small price to pay for everything that I am gaining.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet...I am just getting to where I can eat a bit.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone that knows of the surgery has been wonderfully supportive. Even more so than I could have hoped. I am truly blessed. I really haven't lost enough weight to be getting loads of notice yet.