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

My mother in law has had intestional bypass surgery many years ago. That was about all I knew about it until I read an article in the Des Moines Register about it. Since then, I have searched the web, visited the library and spoke with patients. I can't wait to get my life back.

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

I was approved first time thru so I can't help much on this subject.

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

He was very professional and understanding. A very nice man.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I couldn't fit in my laundry room to wash my own underwear or bend over to change my baby's diaper. My legs hurt so bad I didn't want to move. I hated myself and my life.

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

All the nursing staff were wonderful. I was even assigned my very own student nurses to aide me in my walking, bathing, etc. I would recommend Mary Greeley in Ames, highly.

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

A couple of days out my IV popped out of my vein and all the liquids, including the pain meds were just going into my arm. After about 6 hours of this, it took me two weeks after being home to move my wrist again. Other than that there were not complcations.

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 was surely anxious to get it done and on with my life but I was alittle scared. I've always been a what if person. I faced that fear and lived to tell about it. I have to admit I had second thoughts when I thought of the different foods I might never get to eat again. It was so worth it though.

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

I belong to two groups - one for people who had surgery in the month of September 2002 and one in Central Iowa. Both are really helpful. The local one is better in the fact that there is more personal interaction. We hold monthly meetings as well as "last suppers" for pre-ops. We also hold quarterly meetings that include a clothing exchange. Any question is ok to ask. It's like having a really large family.

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

I didn't really care what it would be like and I still don't. I wanted my life back and was willing to do what it took to get it. It is about 5 inches long but I can walk again and play with my kids again.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I've had only one. (around the holidays) It lasted about three weeks. Since then I have lost every week. More water, more exercise is the key to jump starting.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are nicer to me. I feel more a part of my surroundings instead of a spectator. I can't really put my finger on any one thing but people seem to accept me more.