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

Carnie Wilson's article in people magazine. I am going to do this and get off this roller coaster of yo-yo dieting.

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

Thank God I had no problem with insurance approval!

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

I was very nervous, I found Dr. Garber's web site, read it until I almost had it memorized, wrote down questions as I researched, and asked him. He is a very warm and friendly person. He explained everything to me in detail. I would recommed Dr. Garber to anyone seeking Lap wls

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

EVERYONE that I spoke to said I was crazy. But I knew that this was the only way I was ever going to lose weight. I tried everything and nothing worked. We took our kids to Hershey Park and I couldn't fit on any of the rides with my children. We have a boat, I have difficulty getting in and out of it. I'm to young to feel so old, out of breath, achy knees, hips, legs, back. I can't keep up with my two boys. I made my decision, surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

lap 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?

The same fear you would have before any surgery. Am I doing the right thing? Will I be okay? How will I deal with the pain? What will happen to my children if I don't survive? How will I care for my two little boys? Will they understand? What if I don't eat "right" and hurt myself? A million questions racing through my head and 100 miles an hour.

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?

I didn't tell anyone I had the surgery done. Previously, I tried talking to a very few, close, select friends and family members. They each said I was crazy, "why would you want to do that to yourself?!" "give it time, when the "baby" (he's 1 1/2) is older, you'll have more time for yourself (well,if I can't lose weight chasing after 2 little boys, under 5, how will I lose it when their older?)" "your a beautiful girl, no one looks at you and thinks, wow, look how big she is" (that one made me laugh,!)

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

I'm a stay at home mom

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

St. Francis Hospital took excellent care of me. I was there for four days

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

No complications at all!

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

I was extremely nervous. I also spoke to others who were post op.

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

I go to Dr. Garber's support group meetings. I also speak to other patients and "compare notes".

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

I had laproscopic surgery. I have 5 tiny scars. The strech marks I have are MUCH worse!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had none. I lost the weight very fast.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutley! Sales clerks aren't as rude. Men hold doors open for me now. I'm treated with more respect and dignity.