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

I heard about some celebrities getting the Gastric Bypass surgery and I though that if I didn't do something drastic, I would end up being the 700 lb. woman on Dr. Phil.

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

My experience was fine with getting approved from my insurance company with both surgeries. My advice would be to have a primany insurance and if you are married, go under your spouse's insurance so that you have a secondary insurance company, in case your primary insurance doesn't approve you.

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

My stay was good and the doctors at Shadyside was so helpful with the whole process. They got me up walking and they made sure that I was moving and they were encouraging all the way until I went home.

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

No complications whatsoever.

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

At first, I was like, "Oh boy, I am going to be thin now! Finally!" My husband had the surgery as well and he lost weight, but has never been at goal. Reality set in and I had to look at this as a tool and not as a guarentee. I wasn't nervous about the surgery, believe it or not. I had a ton of confidence in my doctors.

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

I had some pain, but it wasn't bad. The plastic surgery was more painful. I is hard to walk and you have give up some stuff that you normally do. The laundry won't get done by itself and you can't pick up heavy things and you have to let your partner pamper you and you realize that you have to let things go until you are better.

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

I had my husband and the support of my family and friends.

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

The scars after the gastric bypass surgery were minimal. There were 6 small incisions and they turn white after a while. Now with the breast lift, adominalplasty and trunk reconstruction, the incision is probably about 5' and it's very noticable, but they do try to be strategic with where they cut. It is a painful procedure, but it is all worth it in the end. I love my new body. WOOOHOOOOO!! Thank you Dr. Rubin. =)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight plateaued at 194 and then I went on Weight Watchers and lost the last 45.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Men look at me now. People don't even recognize me and I just think that it's funny.