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

I had heard about bariatric surgery through the ads for Bariatric Treatment center. I was not happy with the way they treated me so I sought an independant surgeon and kept researching the procedures along the way. My initial impression was that is was a great tool, that is wasn't as drastci as every thin person would liek to make it seem. That I thought this would be the right thing for me to do.

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

I had switched to Blue Cross Blue SHield with the hope that they would approve my surgery because at the time they were the leading approver of the insurance companies. My surgeons office worked with me extensively to provide all info up front on how this was truly my last resort and we had documented together that that I had tried everything else. I would recommend spending the time to get the documentation taken care. I was approved within 2 weeks.

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

The first visit at my surgeons office was not with the surgeon. It was with the support person for all patients. While this may seem funny, this person acts as the liason between all of the patients and the surgeon. She is really his eyes and ears. She also is the support that every patient needs and should have. By the time I met with the surgeon, I was so well informed and comfortable with his style and capabilities throught the support groups, the time spent with him was used wisely and I never felt like I had forgot to ask something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided to have the surgery prior to finding the surgeon I was comfortable with. That was my main decision maker. Once I found someone I was comfortable putting my life into his hands, I got the surgery done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I discussed this with my surgeon after having completed a lot of research, alo I spent a great deal of time meeting people who had had the surgery and their experience with the different procedures. My surgeon really support the RNY, so I had decided before meeting him, it was just a final decision when I decided upon this particular surgeon.

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?

My fear was the pain. I had ever had surgery of any kind prior to this and I am a big wimp when it comes to pain. I was made very aware of the potential risks but those were only potential as compared to the pain I knew I was going to have. The pain wasn't have as bad as I thought it would be.

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?

Almost everyone said I shouldn't have the surgery that It was too drastic and of course all of a sudden they knew all these people who have had it and have horror stories to tell. I told them I was doing it, it was my choice, and I honestly thanked them for their concern but I didn't care what they thought I was doing it anyway.

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

I was already oof of work when I had the surgery. I had interviewed for a new job three days before the surgery and excepted it one day after I was home from the hospital. My new employer has been very supportive.

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

My surgeon requires you to go to support group. I love this group of people. I started attending 7 months prior to surgery and it is really hard to miss a month. I have missed two in the past year and I do feel like I miss something when I do not go. I also have the follow up program with the siurgeon himself. Two week check up, three month check up, six month cehck up and then once a year for the rest of your life.My eating schedule after surgery has been extended over a six month time frame and I thik this has really helped to have a smooth transition in adjusting to my new stomach.

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

My scar is beautiful!!!!! I did not need any staples. it has faded very well. It was a little longer than I expected but it has shrunk as I have lost weight of course. I am super amazed at how great it looks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i have had a couple since surgery and this seems to happen every 30-40 lbs as my body readjusts itself to the new lower weight. I can always break them by addign in a lot of protein and it starts the weight loss again. Even though Iknow they need to happen and I know why they are occurring, it still is hard when the scale does not move.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People treat me a lot differently now. It is like I am acceptable since I am not taking up as much space. People are more friendly. People treat me like losing the weight has made me smarter, i.e. my opinion matters now.