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

I met a lady who had it and then another, both were bypass and I was not impressed with their results. Both were very bottom heavy with flabby arms. I didn't want to look like that. We I found that I needed to have something done, research showed me the many options.

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

First remember that insurance won't approve anything they don't have info on. Stay on the staff to get things to gether to be submitted. Next you need to know what the insurance requires for approval and make sure all of that has been completed before you submitt.

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

Research first. Check for his website and read up on him and the hospital;number of surgeries performed and updates on training. That will help you be at ease when you meet. Have your questions prepared, it would bite to leave with unanswered questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery when I realized that I needed it for my health. I am married and also 51 years old, I am not trying to "catch a man", I simply want to live long eough and pain free to play with my grandson.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the least envasive surgery possible. I think that cutting & moving things around is a little more than I can handle with my medical history.

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 haven't been banded yet so my fears are some ones for now, As I get closer to a date I'm sure there will be plenty.

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?

At this time everyone seems on board. I am only sharing with family. I beleive they will be very supportive once I have the surgery and I am looking forward to it. Our son is in college and he lost 50ls by working out, my girls didn't get the "freshmen 25" but can out and struggle daily.DH is former Marine and some stuff has gone south on him that he plans to work as I make my adjustment.

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

Self employed amd work from home

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

I was in overnight. The experience was good, response and care from the staff was good. A robe was the most important as I walked, it also kept me warm as I was sitting up.

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

No problems yet, it's been 2 days.

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

Not really sure, I wasn't nervous just antsy. I felt calm because I was sure of my choice.

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

I was very busy the first 4 nights I was home. I napped when needed during the day, and out to pool league at night. I sat mostly but I played on Thurs. which was 3 days after surgery.

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

Only online forums, and a call to the doc's office if needed.

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

I think I had 4 cuts, the port is a little over an inch. The others are dots that I have to search for. This is better than I had thought it would be.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am on a plateau now, over 2 years out. The problem is from the fact that I had stopped eating like I should. I am tight in the am so I have a coffee, lunch time I'm not hungry so I don't eat. Then at dinner, I would eat to much or the wrong foods. I was slipping on my water and starting drinking sweet tea and to much coffee with cream. This past weekend I promised myself I would try to get back to doing the things I did when I was loosing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very much so.