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

I read about in a magazine, and toyed with the idea for about 2 years

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

Long and drawn out. Perservere and don't depend on the Dr.'s office to do the work for you.

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

I was there 4 days and had excellent care. Bring comfortable shoes to slip on, as bending over is painful.

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

None

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 very slow to introduce any food.... GO SLOW!!!

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

It is hard not to be impatient with the weight loss.

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

I have a group of friends who have had surgery also who provide most of my support.

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

5 inches long, with 2 marks from drains.... I also had my gallbladder out at the same time. It looks like a long nose and two eyes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

If you are still a hormonal female, that does not go away... be patient.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ABSOLUTELY