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

I found out about the surgery through SurgiLite after my mom looked into it for herself. Initially, it seemed really scary and risky but when the risks of obesity are weighed against it, it really isn't that bad. I didn't exactly like the idea on having my insides scrambled around like an egg but I thought that living one more day being obese was worse.

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

Weigh 2 Freedom did all the insurance paperwork for me. I would highly recommend going through a large organization such as SurgiLite, Weigh 2 Freedom, etc., because they know what the insurance companies are looking for and what they need.

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

I was very at ease. My mom had undergone the same surgery months earlier so I was already at ease with the surgeon. I think it helps if you have talked to someone who has gone through it. I was really concerned with having more children post-op. It's best to get as much information before meeting with the surgeon for the first time. I think it's also important for patients to know the differences between the bariatric surgeries, i.e. Roux-en-Y vs. the Fobi Pouch.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that I could probably lose most of the weight on my own but knew that the next time life threw me for a loop I might gain it back plus more. I also didn't want my children to have a mom that was a bystander in their lives like my mom was due to her obesity. I wanted to live life - not just watch it. I was determined to have the surgery and when the insurance approved it, I was ready to go!

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

Due to the distance of the support groups and having a young child I was unable to attend any support groups. My mom and I were each others support during our post-op periods. I think it is extremely important to share your experiences and thoughts with others. I wish that I had been able to talk to others of my similar age.

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

It seemed huge at first, going from under my breasts to my belly button. It must have been at least 8 or 9 inches in length. Now it's about 4 inches long. I honestly expected a much more noticable gash but I have been pleasantly pleased.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I accidentally became pregnant at 9 month post-op. The best experience for me has been going through my pregnancy at 120 lbs. I loved hearing other women remarking how cute and pregnant I was. I was 250 lbs. during my first pregancy and thought that I should be wearing a circus tent in lieu of my dresses. I remember leaving the hospital after having my son feeling so gross and uncomfortable. When they wheeled my out to the car, I saw another woman who had given birth the same day leaving the hospital wearing tight jeans. I was SO jealous! But after having my daughter, I was the skinny woman in jeans making the other women jealous! What a feeling!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! You are now treated as a human being. I remember getting angry at first when I noticed the change in others' attitudes. I thought that it wasn't fair to be treated differently since I was the same person inside. But after a while, you come to terms with human nature and just begin to enjoy strangers striking up conversations with you instead of people whispering behind your back.