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

Did not want anything to do with it 4 years ago, now I was really open to the idea. I was tired of working out and eating things I hated and not losing anything. 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?

Happy and scared. I found out that I was going to have the surgery and the date was set for the next day! So I was so busy planing daycare for the next week I did not think about what I did till I was in my room and the surgery was done.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. It was wonderful....I think. I was at U of Washington and the staff was great. Things to bring....photos of my family they had everything else for me...includeing the toothbrush and paste.

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

PAIN! Just pain. The staff helped me thur every step and I only worried about the 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 am almost 3 weeks out and I have been sad mad and happy. Scared and confused but a wonderful person at the end of a phone cord has been there for me each and every time

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

I have two different support group on line that help a ton and one meets here by my house. They are there so I don't feel like I am losing my mind.

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

They are so small~ No I thought they would be bigger. Dr.O did a great job.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. SOme are happy for you. But the obesity of some that do not think the surgery was a good idea put me down. So I guess I have learned who are true friends. I have learned some people just don't care and want to act like you have been thur nothing. I think for the most part people will tell me I look great and are happy for me BUT it is those few that are RUDE and need to get a grip!