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

I first found out about it from a TV commercial for the Bariatric Treatment Center // I was impressed and was happy that I found a straw to grab at.

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

Excellant - my insurance company, Aeuna US Healthcare rocks!!

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

Its very informative. I took a lot of material home to my family and friends but all of my questions were answered and I had a new found hope for my future!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fact that I did not want to die like this.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through the advice of my doctors

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 no fears. I would rather die in an attempt to get healthy then die from being overweight!!

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 got nothing but support. Everyone was so good to me and for me. Family, friends and coworkers were all there 110% for me.

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

My employers were very excited for me. They could not have been better about it. In fact another girl where I work had the surgery 3 months after I did. I was off work for 6 weeks.

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

My stay at St. Vincent's Hospital in Cleveland was GREAT! I had my procedure on Wednesday and was home on Saturday. And I can say that I have in my life, never met a better or more cordial staff of people ever...

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

No major complications just your run of the mill healing and learning.

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 on cloud 9 all of the time. I couldn't handle the countdown from the day I was given my good news until the actual date. I kept a calendar with me counting down every day in anticipation.

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

The first few weeks home - they weren't too bad. It would take me some time to get adjusted to walking and getting around but it wasn't that bad. I think for me the hardest part of home recovery the first few weeks was taking a shower. But that's why we have loved ones to help us out.

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

From Hubbard, OH to Cleveland, Oh is about an hour drive. I think its a little over 60 miles or so.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Very minimal activity except light walking. That is about all I could do was just some light walking.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

All of the ones that the Doc told me to take and now I am on multivitamin multimineral supplements and also protein bars. Gotta get in that protein.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

NOTHING - If I had to do it all over again I would.. In a heartbeat!

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

I pretty much do my support online with other people who have made it to the other side like me. I also am very happy to say that I am an advocate for the procedure and talk to possible patients all the time. I get emails everyday from people wanting to know how life is and some of the things that I have gone through - I love to answer them. I also get support from my friend I work with who also had the procedure. Its great help when you can bang heads with someone you know who is dealing with the same things that you are.

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

Its not that bad. It is better then I had expected. They stopped using staples right before my procedure so my scar actually looks pretty good compaired to some that I have seen.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I really haven't had any just yet. I am still early in the process of losing the weight so I'm waiting for my first one. I know its coming I just don't know when.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes - I don't get laughed at as much. Its amazing how much better you get treated at 100 lbs less. It just goes to show you that some people are ignorant and proves my theory that some people just plain suck.