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

i first found out about it was through a insert in an ad, I specticulated about it, but the more i did research on it the more i wanted to do it. i didn't care what i would have to go thru to have it done.

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

Approved for surgery was actually just a waiting process, because it was approved the first time around,

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

I was scared of how people would see me going in, but talking with the Dr, and the staff was good because they make you feel like they are there or have been were you are and the staff is wonderful.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was just feeling like a blown up balloon and my aches and pains seem to be coming from all over especially my feet and ankles.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Leverton only did the RNY so it pleased me to do it that way .

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 believe with any surgery you have a fear of going under the knife, but I just prayed that it would be the best for me and would have to go with the good and the bad of it. I just let people know that you need to have confidence in the Dr who will perform the surgery if you do not then you should get another that will make you feel at ease at what you are about to do.

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 family was great they were behind me 100% and are still there for me, especially my Husband he was great he helped me through so much without him I dont think I could of recuperated so quickly. My friends well they had there thoughts but they eventually just gave in because they knew I was going to do it anyway. Every one is great to me I have no issues with any of my friends or family they have been great.

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

My supervisor at the time was very excited for me I told her of my decision and she backed me up 100% I was out of work for 6weeks and every one was great when I came back.

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

My stay at the batriatric treatment center in Wylie was a great experience, I was there for 3 days and it didn't even feel like it was that long, the most important thing to take to the hospital was my change of clothes, because I knew that would be the last time I would use a 2x....

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

i did have a small infection, But I called the hospital and Dr. leverton wanted me to go in right away, she cleared it and I was on my way to a better and healthier me.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

In the weeks after I got approved, I was so scared, But I had my family and that is the greatest thing to have when you do something like this, My family support is what got me thru it all, and they are still behind me all the way today.

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

I am not in any support group at this time, my job does not give me opportunity to go to some. I have a lot of support from my family they are very understanding and they help me out a lot with preparing foods for us to eat.

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

As for my scarit is clearing up and you cannot notice it to much, But I'm not one of those that will be wearing a two piece any time soon.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My plateau, is I forget I can't eat that much and I feel my plate more than I know I can eat, But I am measuring my food now and taking small bites,It is getting better sometimes I miss eating some foods but I know i wasn't going to be able to eat it after surgery just little sacrifices but well worth it, As I see myself get smaller in size.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes, It seems like people who used to look the at me in disgust when I walked into the breakroom with my food to eat .Now see me as I walk into the breakroom and not judge me on how much I will be eating, I also see alot of change in me as well i try to help my fellow friends and tell them that it doesn't matter because people will judge you no matter what.