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

I first learned of the surgery from my doctor. I had went to her about diet pills that I had been on for at least 6 month and no good. She introduced me to it and she explained what i felt she new about it. Well I started to explore about the surgery more.I was impressed and shocked when i came on the web site and saw the pictures of ladies that have had it thats when i knew i wanted the surgery.

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

My approval went very fast I was approved within two in a half weeks and i had a date. My advice to anyone whom has trouble with insurance companies dont let them win keep trying if there is a will theres a way.

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

I was nervious meeting him one on one. My husband was there with me and Dr. hornbostel came in and told me that I was approved for the surgery that i was a prime person for the surgery. He then started to tell me what was going to happen when i arrived at the hospitial and my stay afterwards. People will get alot out of this meeting because it will set your mind at ease about your surgeron just by meeting him and talking with him one on one.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was getting to me so large and I could not loose any weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Hornbostel had two procedures that he did the lap band and the rny.I found out all about these two by his cimminare that he held first before my first visit with him.I decided I wanted the rny because i didnt want to have to keep going back and get saline put in my pouch. Its also easier to cheat from what i had heard. I did need to cheat I need the weight off for good.

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?

This was why i chickened out the first time. I was so scared from all the horror stories i had heard then i met this lady and she had already had the surgery and she took the time to share with me her story and i new then I was ready.She was like my angel from above guiding me through this hard time in my life. All i have to say about the fear of the surgery its not all going to be resolved but you have to have faith and that will pull you through.

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?

My family at first wanted me to do this for me, for me to be happy with this.I would not have communicated anything different. After the surgery my family was the best they were there for me night and day any hour i needed them which was lot at first.

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

I did have any problem with this I am a at home mom and I babysit out of my home and the ladies i baby sit for were very supportive. I did have them for 3 weeks after my surgery because I was told no lifting over 10 pounds

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

I go to a support group here by my home. It is very helpful to see how others deal with the same problems that i have delt with. Its very important to go to your support meetings.

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

I have 5 little scares it looks like a some one has stabbed me with a knife thats the size of them, sorry about the example but thats the only way to express it. Yes i was told before what my scares would look like.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People i know and havent seen since my surgery they do not even know it me they walk right by me.I look so different and people i know yes they treat me alot different more wanting to be with me instead of embrassed of me.