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

I saw a classmate that I hadn't seen in a few years.Previously she was very pretty, but had gotten very heavy.Years later she was thin and beautiful. I couldn't believe my eyes. She told me she had WLS. Shortly after that I started doing a little research.Later... I ran into a co-worker and she told me her story...this time I got the surgeon's name and made that call.Best call I ever made in my life.

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

When I first went to my surgeon's office, I was told they would accept my insurance. The insurance company had their own requirements, which was quite rigid and would require me to wait an additonal year to have the surgery. Lucky for me, I was able to switch insurance companys and had my surgery done in a month or so.

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

My very first visit was over 6 hours long. Unfortunatley the office over-schedualed that day. They had medicaid, medicare, blue cross and every other insurance you could name.The Dr. saw us all in a group and then individually. Of course I was last to be seen. My appointment was at 1pm. I walked out of the doctor's that night at 8:50 pm. I stayed as did everyone else.I left feeling confident in my decision, as well as well informed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I could not stand to see myself in the mirror. I knew that unless I took drastic measures, it would only get worse. I had to do it for me and me alone!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I opted for the less invasive. The smaller scars were a factor too. It just so happened that my doctor made the exact suggestion as I had been wishing.

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 felt I would be taking years "off" my life by not becoming more healthy and ridding myself of the excess weight. By having the surgery...I added years to my life.As for dying..that's something that isn't up to me anyway. I did pray, but if it was my time to go, then I guess it would have been my time to go. I tried not to be nervous at all.Up until the day of surgery I tried to keep a positive attitude. Everyday I looked at OH photos, and kept feeling like..This is for me!

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?

To me...having surgery was my very own PERSONAL desicion. I told a few folks , but not many. I didn't need any negative vibes. My mind was made up. I felt as though the more people you shared it with..the more comments/opinions you would have to put up with. My motto is that" if you don't contribute to my income, then I don't really need your opinion"!I didn't accept conversation that wasn't positive about MY surgery.

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

My insurance folks were the only folks I was concerned with. I had saved up time to be off work.Fortunately for me,having time off was a benifit that I pay into.That part was fairly easy. I was out of work for 9 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was positive. I stayed for 3 days. I really didn't need anything extra while I was in the hospital.They supplied Vaseline..which I used on my lips..They supplied footies and big gowns. I did not touch the items I took to the hospital. I saved my really nice PJ's for my return home. Just bring some faith.

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

Dry feet and skin, which I think were results of anestesha. The only other problems I had were my own fault..like eating too fast and such.

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 kept thinking positve..read as much as I could..talked with others that had the surgery and kept telling myself that I would be OK. I worked up until the day before my surgery so I could stay busy. Also I used the time to get my house ready, scripts filled, special groceries and prepare for afterwards.

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

Get all the rest you need. Do not over do it. Follow the rules. Every day got better. Take things slower than slow. Listen to your body.

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

I have people in my circle that have had the surgery and we talk everyday. I have not attended any other outside groups. Reading OH everyday keeps me connected.

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

My scars are small. They are about what I anticipated.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I feel like I'm at a plateau and that's because I still struggle with emotional eating some times as well as head hunger. Of course it's not what I used to eat, but getting in more protein would help too.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

people that knew me before the surgery are still in AWE and the compliments are terrific. I think I'm more confident and I love having more options as far as clothing goes.