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

TV commercial. I thought that this could be my last hope of ever being normal.

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

when I found out about this surgery I did some research and wanted to do it ASAP.Insurance companies never do any thing like that, they must be sure that it will be in their better intrest so they gather info and more info. Push the insurance company and do give them all the info they need.

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

the first visit was a basic information session, he gave me an idea as to what would be happening in surgery and how it would affect my body. Ask questions, bring a list of questions and don't leave with out getting the answers you need.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt that this would be my last hope to ever be normal, or at least a normal sized person.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted a prodeedure that was effective and permanent.

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?

What I feared most was living the rest of my life at the that weight and not being able to do things that I've always have wanted to do. If you any fears ask questions and do research.

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?

they supported my decision because it was what I thought it was in my best interest.

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

as most employers would react;how will this surgery affect your job performance? Being the slow time of year it did not matter how long I was off.

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

I have not joined one as of yet.

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

Long. nine days after my surgery my incision split open from the botom about five inches, it is open abuot an inch.I have beentold that it is very superficial and will heal without any problem. It did not hurt when it opened up, it did not bleed a lot, it does not look to good.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

no