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

A friend of mine had surgery years ago. She did not do well and regained the weight. I initially thought it wasn't worth it. However, thinking of it now only makes me want to be very careful to obey my doctor.

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

The doctor's office took care of everything. They were wonderful.

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

Dr. King was great. He examined me and talked with me. He listened to what I had to say. He also made sure I understood the benefits, as well as the risks, of the surgery. My advice for someone going into a first visit is to educate yourself first. Use this site, as well as other sites on the Internet, to learn all you can before the doctor's visit so you can ask intelligent questions and understand what the doctor says.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My 36-year old husband died of heart disease. We have an 8-yr old daughter. I finally decided to have surgery when I got afraid that I would die early. I also saw my husband's aunt, who weighs over 500 lbs. and her non-quality of living. I didn't want to end up like that one day, and I saw myself headed in that direction. I want to be there for my little daughter, as well as my grown daughter and her husband. I also want to feel better. I'm tired of being tired.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The insurance decided this for me. They would only pay for RNY.

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 had some fears, but because of my faith in God and because I knew He had brought me to the surgery, I had confidence that things would work out okay. However, I had made peace with God and my family, just in case they didn't. My advice for others is to pray and make sure this is something God wants you to do. If it is, put your trust in him and go forward.

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 has been very supportive of my decision to have surgery. My mother, in particular, has always worried about my weight.

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

She was very supportive. I told her the truth. I was out of work 2 weeks. (I only work part-time 3 days a week. If I worked full-time or had a more physical job, I would have been out longer.)

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

My hospital stay was fine. The ICU staff was wonderful. I was in ICU 2 nights and in a regular room 1 night. The ICU staff cleaned me when I needed it. They walked with me every few hours. They were great. As far as things to bring, my best advice is to bring as little as possible. The hospital, assuming it's a good one, will supply most of what you need. Bring houseshoes, baby wipes, vaseline for lips. I wore the same clothes home and I wore to the hospital.

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

The only complication I had was a little fluid on my lungs. That is why I stayed in ICU the 2nd night. The 3rd night, I had nausea and got very nervous. I think that was because I had not had my Zoloft in several days.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I traveled 60 miles.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Flintstones Chewable Vitamins with Iron Thiamin B-12 shot monthly Protein supplement

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

I have seven small scars from the laproscopic surgery. They are still red, and I hope that fades. They are about what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau at 6 weeks out. It lasted 3 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I am getting compliments on my looks. I never got any before.