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

I first heard of it on TV and my first impression was curiosity big time, I sent for imformation immeditatley.

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

My experience was great with my insurance company I had no problem, I kept in touch with same person all the while I waited for an answer, once they got letter from surgeon, she put a rush on it for me, I was approved with in 5 days upon them getting the letter, Insurance companies can be real sticklers about this surgery, alot of them have exclusions for this surgery, and some it has to be for medical reasons, Well being overweight to me is a medical problem.

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

listen and ask questions. MY first visit was awesome he explained the proceedure and the risks that can go along with it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of living like the way I was, I wanted a life. So I decided if my insurance covered it I would go for it after doing alot of research on the surgery and reading other peoples experiences.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to go with the one with best results, which my surgeon explained several proceedures but felt this one was the best and is the only one he does.

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 really didn't have any fears, I just knew I was not happy the way I was so if I died oh well I guess I died doing something I wanted to do. Just follow your surgeons advise, and just pray and remember are you happy or healthy the way you are??

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?

Well my husband did not support me at all, he felt I failed at all other diets and what would make me think this would work, and he felt it was a easy way out, and could not understand why I would want my insides messed with. But my family and friends all supported me they were all happy for me.I still have alot of support from my family and friends. I no longer have a husband but he is happy for me now.

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

They did not have a problem with it, I told them I was hoping it would only be 3 weeks, But it ended up being 6 weeks, but they were very supportive.

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

I go to two different support groups, I feel they are nessesary, You can talk to people about experiences you are going through, and to find out what other people are going through, its nice to be able to talk about anything with people from your support group, because we have something in common.

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

My scar is about 6 inches long if not a little longer, It is fading somewhat, but this is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It seems I do hit plateaus but they never seem that long, The sad part is I am a scale jumper, I jump on the scale everyday, and I know I shouldn't do that, it does get you discouraged once in awhile.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I cant believe the people that actually say hi, expecially men, they will actually have a conversation with me.