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

I saw the commercials for the bariatric treatment centers, I sent away for the video, I had also heard that Carnie Wilson had it done and saw an interview with her afterward, it just hit home so much with me that I started to research it a little deeper.I knew that it was a long shot and never imagined that I could ever get insurance approval for it.

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

My surgeaon wrote a " very to the point " letter to my insurance carrier, Anthem BC/BS, the first time I was turned down for "lack of medical information", I contacted the insurance company to find out what I needed to do, I had to have a dietician evaluation, which I paid $75.00 for out my own pocket, I met with her, she typed and faxed a letter the same day, I was approved after 3 follow up phone calls to Anthem, that is all they wanted. The best advice that I can give is "keep calling" ( the insurance company ), talk to the same person every time and take notes! The more that you let them know that you are not going away, the quicker they will approve you!

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

I loved my surgeon, unfortunately, he left University Hospital shortly after I had my surgery, I miss him terribly, I wish that I could see him now! Anyway, my surgeon was very informative and helpful, make sure that you have a list of questions ready to go, you only have so much time and you want to get as much info as possible, I only had one visit with him prior to my surgery, he did not have a "program" like the other surgeons at UH have, he was cut and dry, you qualify or you don't, it literally was that simple, I did qualify, I was 100 pounds overweight and had serious health risks directly related to me weight.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was on vacation with my family, we love to camp and went to Mohican and rented a great cabin, we had all of these fun activities planned, I had a problem with everyone of them, a 2 hour canoe trip took over 5 hours to complete due to the fact that the river was low and my canoe kept bottoming out and getting stuck!Here is my daughter and I in one canoe and my husband and step-son in another, they had to keep waiting for us to catch up, how humiliating! Then came the horse back riding, I had to wait for them to bring me a retired old work horse, bigger than all the rest, I literally was over the weight limit that they had posted and the guys knew it, but to save me the humiliation in front of my family, they accomodated me with a huge horse, it was a miserable time ( for me ) I hid it well, when we got home, I told my husband that my mind was made up, I made my appointment with the surgeon the next day after hemhawing around it for a couple of months!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had no choice, my surgeon preferred open RNY.

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 had all of the "what if's" going through my mind, I had yound children, a husband, etc... I knew that I could not go through life like this anymore,I finally realized that I had nothing to lose except the old me, I made all of my arrangements "just in case". I can proudly say that I now have 2 birthdays, the day that I was born onto the Earth and the other was the day that my "Journey" started, I am 1 year old tomorrow ( March 31, 2004 ), I am literally " a whole new person". If anyone is doubting this surgery, look at your life now, how happy are you? I guarantee you that after you are at goal, you will thank yourself and your surgeon who made it all possible, take the chance, it is soooo worth it!

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 was fearful of me dying and leaving my children, my Mother had her doubts but gave me her blessing, she passed away suddenly before I had my surgery, I thought of her the day of my surgery, she watched over me and I know that she would be so proud of me now for going through with it, my sister and brother were total opposites,my sis supported me 100%, my brother was fearful for me, but can't believe it now! I have NO regrets, I would do it again in a second. My family was the best after surgery, right there with anything that I needed, very, very loving... I love them all!Thanks Guys!

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

I work in a small family owned and operated business, my boss and her husband are also 2 of my very best friends, they could not have been more wonderful, sent flowers and bath and body stuff to me in the hospital, came up and walked the halls with me, they were really great. I was off of work for 2 weeks and then went back part time for a couple of weeks, they were wonderful to me!

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

I was sooo ready for this surgery that I never have attended a single support meeting, I had all the support that I needed from family and friends, some people need that sort of thing, I really did'nt, I researched this surgery top to bottom, there was nothing that I was not ready for...I knew the changes in my life that would result from having this surgery, I never "grieved" for food or felt that I had made a mistake, I was ready, period!

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

It is long and white, very clean, yes, it is what I expected, I don't mind, no one sees it except my hubby and daughter and me!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I never had any, I lost all of my weight in about 10 months (112 lbs.) I am one year post-op and have lost all that I am going to I think, I am very pleased...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Major! I get noticed and looked at now! It is an amazing feeling to walk into a room and have people say "Wow, you look awesome", I never had that happen to me before, it is wonderful!