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

I have known about it for years. When I found out that my insurance would pay for it if you met the criteria. I was so excited. I think that the person who invented this surgery is a angel. There are so many people who's lives could be dramaticly improved by this. To breath easier and be more active. To live a normal life. Play with their childern and go walk with out feeling like they should have brought the car. Go shopping and find clothes that fit. well you get the picture. Like myself I truly beleive that even though I have a herniated disc I will be in alot less pain because there will be less compression on my disc.

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

If you really want it then stand your ground and take the bull by the horns. My insurance turned me down at first and I would not have ever given up no matter how many times they said no. I have pushed until I got approved. Don't give up. It's all about really understanding this is a tool that can help you change your life. Find out what the protocal for your insurance is and find a way to meet that. Be sure you really have researched this and understand that this is for life. This will change your whole life.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was wonderful. He made me feel important and I beleive that he does this because he really understands the need for obese people to life better and longer lifes. Quailtiy of life is what this is all about.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Back pain and wanting to get back into life and live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the one that could not be reversed.

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 fear dying more from not having this surgery. I have no fear of the surgery it self. I am sure most people are scared but the quality of life is the most important to me.

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 husband is wonderful. He is also waiting to get approved. My youngest son was very concerned but even more supportive. All of my friends encouraged me but also expressed their concern. Every one I know is excited for me. My father doesn't know yet. I had mentioned it a couple of years ago when I first applied but I will tell him about 1 week before so he won't worry so long.

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

My boss was also very happy for me. I have missed alot of work because of my back and I explained that we are hoping that this will help with the back problem. All of my co-workers are very supportive. We have a co-worker that had it about 18 months ago. She looks great and has been a great help.

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

The staff was wonderful and I could not have asked for a better experiance. I was in the hospital from Dec 10-13.

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

none

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

The weeks before surgery I was very nervous. So I came to this site and got so much support I am not sure how I would have gotten through it without this site and all the wonderful people on it.

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

I attended my first support group meeting on the second wed in jan. I had a good time and met alot of really nice people. The range was from pre-op to 4 years post-op.

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

My scar is a very thin line right down the middle of my stomach. It is not bad at all. I didn't have any sticthes or staples so it is really a fine line.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have shared all my experiances with everyone I know and they all have been so supportive. No one has treated me different. However they have all commented on how much you can tell I have lost weight.