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

I had heard about it but never considered it until my PCP recommended it to me. I thought that it was for people who were extremely obese...and funny enough I never considered myself to be extreme. Just kidding myself obviously! My BMI is 41.

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

I have Cigna HMO and was denied because I had not been on a medically supervised diet for 6 months out of the last year. So I quickly had my PCP put me on a diet with regular weigh ins and was approved with the first appeal. Of course my PCP, Carl Goolsby, Hiram, GA, was behind me 100%. That was great help.

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

Dr. Redmond was great. He is a very experienced surgeon. (27 yrs) however he is fairly new to WLS. That has both ups and downs. Because my PCP, who I trust, highly recommended Dr. Redmond, his inexperience in this particular surgery did not bother me. On the good side, he was easy to get in to see and surgery was scheduled very quickly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My PCP.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon suggested 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 alot of anxiety about the surgery and dying but i hear it is normal.

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 are mostly supportive.

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

I am getting help from Wings around Atlanta.

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

It is about 10 inches from my breasts to my navel. A little bigger than i expected, but still okay.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had to stop weighing everyday. I try to only weigh once a week. So far (I am only 6 weeks p.o.) I have not had a plateau, only a couple of slow losing weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My friends who have been supportive,(they are also overwight) seem to be not handling the weight loss as well as people who were not supportive in the beginning. I know from experience it is hard to watch someone you know lose weight when you want to lose it so badly yourself.