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

my sister had it and a bunch of people where we worked was having it,and i wanted to know more,so I did the research.At first i was scared and unsure of the surgery,but i saw the results of people i knew and read the reviews of people on this site and I was ready.

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

I really had no problems with my insurance..they knew my case and knew something had to be done.

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

Ask all kinds of questions!!!!!!!!!! dont ever think that a question is to silly,because its not!!!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I wanted a better life.i WANTED TO BE HEALTH LIKE I USED TO BE.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr.Birkitt went over both proceedures and he told me which one best suited me.

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 looked at it this way.. if I didn't have the surgery I was going to die from health problems...And if I did die during surgery I knew I went down trying.But I also knew I had the Lord on my side and I knew he would take care of me.

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 family was glad I made the decision to have the surgery.they knew this was my last hope.

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

I had to quit work because of my weight.I just couldn't do it anymore.It was such a struggle to have to get ready.It took me 3 hours to get ready.I had to do one thing at a time and rest in between.Then when I got to work I was so tired.

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

It was as well as can be expected.I have a high tolerance to pain and the only thing that bothered me was they insisted that I take pain meds and I didnt want or need them.I didnt take any that I can remeber after I was out of I.C.U.I was supposed to be there 4 days and 3 nights,but I was there for 3 days only.

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

I did get infected.On the pamplet that Dr.Birkitt gave me pre-op it did say that 4-12% did get infected.he opened the wound about 8 inches so it could drain.He had Home Health nurses out at the house everyday for 1 week.Then I told them I could do it myself,so they trained me and I did it.I was a nursing assistance for 15 years and dressed many wounds but to see the inside of your body is so differant.But I did it.Its almost closed now.. its just like a scratch.

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 nervous,but excited.I just went on the internet and talked with a friend in canada that had it and she reasured me everyday.

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

I had regular visits to Dr.Birkitt.I am still going every two weeks.It is very important so if you have any concerns tell you Dr.

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

Its a long scar and i expected this.But it is getting lighter.Yes I expected this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

just watch what you eat... follow drs orders.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

sometimes people are very mean still by staring but other come up to me and say"oh my you can tell you are loosing"