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

My primary care physician suggested that I look into the surgery. I love him for it!

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

My insurance flatly excluded treatment for overweight. I had to pay out-of-pocket - a big hit.

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

I liked Dr. Spivak immediately and felt he was the right choice for me. His description of what I should expect was not candy-coated (pardon the pun) and dead on!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was either continue to suffer knee pain or do something to help alleviate it. Losing weight was the best choice.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Discussed with Dr. Spivak who explained that the RNY was the best choice for also helping with Diabetes.

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 never been in the hospital (except to have babies...), so I was terrified of the entire process. I would advise others to prepare for the pain after surgery - I was truly shocked at how hard it was to sit up or get out of bed for a couple of days.....

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 husband, after getting over the shock of us having to pay for everything, was unbelievely supportive. He was a terrific partner and although I worried that he couldn't (wouldn't) be a good caregiver, I was wrong - he was great!

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

Surprised. Shocked. Supportive. Got paid the whole time, no disability paperwork needed. I was totally out-of-work for a week, and started working from home on a PT basis during week two of recovery, returning to the office PT during week three. Back to work FT week four.

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

Joined a group nine months after surgery - couldn't find one previously.

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

Not pretty - one big scar (gallbladder) and a bunch of poke holes. I didn't really think about scarring prior to surgery, but will never wear a two-piece bathing suit...

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At losing about 80 lbs it slowed way, way down. Now loosing about 1 lb every 2-3 weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No