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

My mother had surgery 20 years ago when Dr. Molina first started. I watched her loose all the weight and how good she looked afterward. I have wanted to have it done for a long time but I just now had an insurance company that would pay for it because of all the other medical problems being obese caused. My aunt had it done also. I had another aunt have the bypass done 20 years ago but it has failed for here. My mom has pretty much maintained a healthy weight.

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

After I figured out what they were looking for it was a matter of getting it faxed to them. They wanted my records from my regular doctor showing where they had been treating me for all the things we listed on the application.

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

It was a madhouse. There were 30+ other people there that had to see him. Then an all day seminar. He had to see us before we were able to do the siminar.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was disgusted with myself. I recently got divorced and was getting more and more depressed and eating more and not doing anything. I wanted to do something for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This was the least invasive.

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?

Everyone has fears about dying while under anesthesia. You just have to realize when its your time, no matter what you are doing, its your time.

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 mother has been a great support because she had the surgery and because she has seen me struggle all my life. The rest of my family is rooting for me also.

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

I went to the hospital at 9:00 am on Friday. I didn't have my surgery until 5 or 6 p.m. The nurses at Spring Branch have always been wonderful no matter what you are there far, but especially good to Dr. Molina's patients.

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

I had no complications. Matter of fact I was doing pretty good compared to some others that had a lot of pain.

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

I had 2-1/2 days before surgery after I found out I was approved. I didn't have time to be anxious.

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

We are supposed to call every week for the first month, then once a month after that for the first year or more if needed. Jean is very helpful.

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

My scar is only 2-1/2 inches long and except for me picking a scal and opening my wound, it heeled very nicely. I had my gall bladder removed also. The only thing that bothered me was the huge bruise I had for 3 weeks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateau experiences. I haven't lost as fast as some that have 150 or more to loose. It very discourageing to know that I have only lost 25 pounds versus 90 punds in three months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Kinda. My friends at work don't invite me to lunch anymore. Don't know why. I haven't lost enough for anyone to treat me differently yet.