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

My mother told me she was getting the surgery. I thought...yeah she's so much older and has some health problems..but they'd never approve me. Then I met a woman at my work who was my age and getting the surgery and she was healthy except for her weight. I saw hope for the first time in a decade. Just a glimmer, but it was enough.

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

It was a mess. Advice...prepare yourself for a LONG journey. Many insurances have a multitute of hoops you need to jump through...people loose paperwork so call and verify EVERYTHING, do not give up, expect that some health professionals will not support you, take advantage of classes that discuss the surgery, and take advantage of support groups, and by all means MAKE FRIENDS. I made a few, but one became a very close friend and we still chat a few times a week to share our experiences. It helps to know your not alone. It helps more than I ever thought!!

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

I was well prepared since my insurance required extensive classes. Many of my questions were answered well before I met my doctor. My visit with the Dr. was more about "when, when, when!!!"

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I met many people who had the surgery.......every single one, even those who had some complications, all said that they only wished one thing..."That they had only done it sooner!!" No one had regrets, and the suffering they had endured (nausea, vomiting, discomfort with healing) was no where near the suffering they had experiences with being fat, with constant aches, self disgust, and worsening health problems.

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

Okay...no one likes to be in the hospital, but the staff was great, the morphin worked and I slept most of the time.

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

None what so ever.

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

one word..............ANTICIPATION. I was ready and I did not let myself think of the risks, just the benefits. It was no use dwelling on negatives, I would deal with them if they arose, but I was going to remain positive and relaxed.

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

I use this web site, and my desk mate at work is 5 years post op, my mother has had the surgery and three of my friends have. I have a built in support group in my life where the members are at all different stages. I feel very lucky to have them! It is crutial to have some kind of support group. I think of myself as an independant person, but in this I feel that you NEED support, guidance and someone to bounce concerns, or experiences with.

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

Well at first I was upset. I was told how long it would be, but it is another thing to see it. It is from my bellybutton to right under my breast area. It has totally faded now and I can only see it in bright light. I think I've healed well and with the strech marks from my son...I don't think I'd be wearing a bikini anyway!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a few here and there. Just try to up the anti and exercise more. I don't think I had a long period where I lost nothing, just times where I'd slow down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes and no. I felt uncomfortable at first when people would say, "Wow, your a hot mamma now!" "Oh there is skinny-minny." I know they were trying to compliment me but I felt as though I didn't deserve it, especially when the comments came from co-workers who were heavy set. I found myself apologizing for my weight loss, or making excuses like it wasn't a big deal. I felt bad because it was coming off so easily and I had seen friends suffering with trying to loose weight. Most of the comments have died off and people are getting used to me. It is interesting...I didn't expect to feel guilty. So prepare yourself for this unusual emotion.