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

Saw it on a talk show, and said i would never in a million years do that!!!!

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

I had absolutely no problem with anything about insurance. My surgeon's office took care of everything. I got a bill for $100.00, my deductible for inpatient care.

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

My first appointment was a consultation after visiting the clinic numerous times. It was very informative and he answered all my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Sheer desperation, I could not stand my body any longer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't. My surgeon only does RNY. I had an open RNY, was not a candidate for lap.

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 was afraid of being put under anesthesia, I had never been put out before. but I just kept telling my self life will be much better after surgery because I will be able to do more and feel better.

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?

Everyone who mattered was very supportive, anyone who is close to me could see how miserable I was.

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

I told my supervisor and he was ok with it. We are a tight knit group and he knew of my struggles. I was out for 3 weeks.

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

Hospital stay was okay. I had 3 nurses that were wonderful. Morphine and anesthesia made me very nauseaus and I had the dry heaves for 12 hours. most important thing to me was my own robe for comfort... I packed all kinds of stuff, walkman, magazine, and gameboy and was unable to use any of it because the drugs knocked me out. I used my chapstick a lot!!!

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

none as of yet..

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 only had 2 weeks and it was exciting because I had my pre ops to do. I didnt't get nervous until I was in the hospital bed the morning of my surgery.

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

It was slow moving for the first 2 weeks home. I was tired most of the time. It slowly day by day got better.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I had to travel about 50 miles. It didnt effect my after care.

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

My scar is about 5 inches long. It starts right under my breast bone. It was very itchy for a while but no other complications. It is less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just broke a plateau that lasted almost 2 weeks. I believe I was not getting enough protein and not drinking enough water.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not Yet...