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

I have a hanging stomach problem and was refered by my PCP to a surgeon here in my town who said he would only consider a panniculitomey after a large weight loss.

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

I have Blue Cross PPO and was denied twice before I hired a lawyer and was approved about 30 days after hiring the lawyer.

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

Dr Jossart was very straight forward. I had already done alot of research on the DS and Rny.The RNY was not an option for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Quility of my life. unable to walk, stand ,lift, constant pain in lower back,SOB during any activited

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

I had excellent care at Cal-Pacific and I mean very good care.I was there 7 days. Lip balm , my own pillow, something to read.

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

I was weighed before surgery at 333 lbs and came out of surgery weighing 359 lbs so I had the bloat from hell. I lost some blood also. But my care was excellent. I didn`t sleep very much during stay but that is sort of usual for me.

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

Nervous, afraid that I would catch a cold or something that would prevent surgery.I was afraid of dying but on the balance, my quility of life is will get better I know, so I just focused on that.

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

Dr Jossart, has a aftercare program every other month and I have only attended one before surgery and haven`t felt up to going to the next one as of yet but I think they will be important and I look forward to attending.

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

I had a Lap DS and they are minimal and don`t bother me at all

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well I had my surgery on March 31,03 and weighed in at 333 lbs when I weighed yesterday at my PCP office I weigh 359. So I think I have the plateau bloat from hell but except that to improve anyday now. My PCP raised my lasxic

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not at this time as I look bigger than before my surgery.