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

Internet

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

Mine was reALLY easy. People I work with that have tried did not have the same easy time. Same insurance, but different outcomes. Does not seem fair.

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

24 hours, easy time.

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

no complications

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

After I received my surgery date, I wanted it to hurry and get here. I was so ready to begin losing weight.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I took 2 weeks off, but I could have gone back to work earlier. I just enjoyed the time and used it to get my lifestyle ready for the changes I was making

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

I go to the montly meetings for post op patients. I also attended Weight Watchers meetings for about 6 weeks. Going to the gym was also good support.

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

Little scaring. Dr. has also commented on how good the scars look.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss slowed down dramatically after about 6 months. I work out at the gym. I am not discoruaged.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Some do. People have commented that I cheated when it comes to weight loss. Most people are glad and supportive. I feel sorry for my heavy friends that would like to do the surgery but their insurance will not approve it.