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

See above.

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

I saw Dr Sugarman on Oct 17th and was notified Nov 20th that they had a cancellation for the 29th of Nov, but opted to wait because my mother had just passed the week before. I had been told in Oct that because of his schedule, it would be February before I was scheduled. So apparently the insurance didnt have a problem with me being approved.

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

Dr. Sugarman is very professional in everyway.His manner is easy going and he made everything so you could understand the risks associated with this type of surgury.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had lost my job before and the insurance to cover the surgury. I am glad that this ins co has been so accomadating.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched on the WEB and the doctor had an article in the paper about a new procedure(lap) and because the recovery time is quicker and less painful, I chos ths. He explained that if they ran into complications, they would have to go in and open me up.

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 still feel that this is what I need and everyday you take risks in something. In the long run, I feel I will have a healthier life with less health problems to complicate things.

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 brother is against it, but I think he will come around. I guess after just loosing our mom, he dosent want any more losses. My male friend is very supportive and has helped me do research about t.

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

I told my boss last week, and he said I looked fine and didnt need the surgury and that it was dangerous.

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

GROUP MEETINGS ONCE A MONTH WITH DIFFERANT SPEAKERS ON MANY DIFFERANT TOPICS

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

SCARS ARE STILL HERE IN TIME THEY WILL FADE

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I AM RUNNING OUT OF CLOHES TO WEAR I HAVE DONATED ALL THE BIG STUFF AND HAVE ONLY BOUGHT A EW NEW ITEMS I STILL HAD SOME SMALLER CLOTHES FROM BEFORE BUT NOW THEY ARE GETING TOO BIG ALL KINDS OF COMMENTS FROM MY CO-WORKERS ALL GOOD OF COURSE!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

BECAUSE OF MY PERSONALITY, things have been pretty much the same as before more men are noticing me in the streets