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

I first found out about bariatric surgery when I saw a comerical on tv. I sent away for the video and info but put it in the back of my mind. I thought it was only for people with no self control. Since that time I have changed my impression and now realize that these people are winners and are smart enough to know how to change their life for good.

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

It took a long time for me to get approved for surgery. Although I tried to keep on top of everything, there was always one more piece of information to be turned in. After I thought there were no more hurdles to jump, I found out the office had misplaced some of my paper work and when they found it of course the person that needed to process it was on vacation. After finally reaching BCBS it took them almost a month before the board met. I would tell others in this position to be patient, just keep your goal in mind.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was wonderful. He put me at ease and answered all the questions I could ask and some I did not even think to ask. I think people can get the most from this visit by either writing down questions in advance or taking someone with them to bring an objective view to the meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health kept getting worse and worse, and most of the problems were due to my weight. When it got to the point where I had a fatty tumor on my spine and the doctor said the only way to relieve it was to either lose 65 pounds or have back surgery I knew it was time to get serious about losing weight. I had tried other methods in the past that did not work, so this was my last hopde.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was the only procedure BTC in Ann Arbor preformed, so that took away the problem of making a decision.

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

My stay in the hospital was not as unpleasant as I thought it would be. I waw up walking shortly after I returned to my room that night. I think one of the most important things a person can bring to the hospital with them is their cpap machine if you use it at home. It will help with your oxygenation and allow you to sleep better.

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

The only complication I had was an allergic reaction to penicillin. I had to go to the er, but once that was taken care of everything was fine.

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

The main thing I did was stay busy to help pass the time. I was so excited that I needed a distraction to keep my mind off of the up coming surgery. I worked up until two days before the surgery.

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

For the first six months after my surgery I did not attend a support group because I was traveling on my job. However, now that I have setteled in one location I have joined a monthly support group that has become my lifeline in my weightloss journey. I have met people in all stages of their process. It is good to hear other peoples trails and successes.

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

My scar is much smaller than it was at the time of surgery. It is still darker than my other scars, but I think with time that will even change. I am hoping that in the next few months I will be ready for plastic surgery, and the surgeon has told me that he will go through the same scar. It is not a bad scar as scars go.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few plateaus since my surgery, but overall my weight loss has been steady. Now that I am getting near goal it has slowed down considerably, but that is to be expected. The main thing is that I feel good about myself and look better than I have in years. I feel that the worst is behind me now, and I love my new life.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

About two weeks ago I flew back home for a funeral, and most people had not saw me since about a month after surgery. Everyone I saw said that if they saw me on the street they would not have reconized me. They all knew my voice, but did not know my body any longer. Everyone was amazed at the change in me which made me feel that I made the right decision having the surgery.