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

I worked with a lady that had it done and was impressed with her results. At first I thought I can eat what she is eating and not have that surgery. It dont last long. I just didnt have the will power to stop. Then another friend had it done. That is what helped me make up my mind to check into this surgery.

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

I myself had no problems getting approved. I did call the insurance company several times on my own checking. It took about 2 weeks for me to be approved. My advice is hang in there and dont give up. This surgery is worth it in the long run.

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

I met with my surgeon and a group of people in the library. I was really impressed with what he had to say. He didnt sugar coat a thing, told us like it was and if we wasnt going to give up what was bad for us then, this surgery would do us no good. Just do as your doctor instructs you to do and you will do just fine. If in doubt call the doctor's office.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick and tired of being fat. I could not tie my shoes with out being out of breath. It took all I had just to do simple things. My knees hurt when I would bend down. My back hurt all the time. I was in bad shape. One morning I woke up and said this is it, I am checking into this surgery and talked with my husband about it. He agreed and off we went to see Dr. Jones. Best move I made.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

When I finally decided on Dr. Jones, the open is all that he preforms. He explained why and the pro's and con's. I knew he knew what he was talking about cause he has preformed so many of these surgeries.

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?

My fear was not being able to eat. I had read so many profiles and so many complications, that I didnt want to be one of those. I prayed and prayed to God to take care of me and help me through this surgery. Prayer is so very Powerful, and I am living proof. I am doing very well, tolerating foods that I am allowed to eat fine. I have my schedule and I do my best to stick to it. I have had bouts with food that I could not eat, and within several minutes the spell passed and the second was I drank to quick after eating, and that didnt feel too good. Have faith in God above.

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?

Family and friends was so very supportive. They all knew how uphappy I was and miserable. They had rather chance the surgery than loose me for sure on down the road to obesity. I had a very supportive family. My husband and Mom was troopers. They listen to me moan and groan, and holler help.

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

I had just started a new job when I was approved for surgery. My supervisor said no problem, we will work with you. I was off work for 2 weeks, and then went back half a day for 2 weeks.

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

I had a great hospital stay. All the nurses was great, oh cant forget the techs. I would say my most important thing to bring is chap stick. My lips was so dry, and your houseshoes. I walked and walked them halls. I also had slipper socks. I never changed into my own clothes. Was too much trouble to me.

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

I was sick the first night, but we decided that was from too much morphein. My pump was giving me way too much when I would push the button. That was fixed real fast, and then I was fine.

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

My first thought and feeling was, I cant believe this is going to happen. I was in sock up till the date that I had the actual surgery. I felt as though I was in a dream.

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

My support group meeting is once a month, and to me it is very important. I went right after my surgery, and was so very thankful I did. I learned so much from the other ladies there. This is a meeting that I will do my best to make every month.

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

My scar is healing great. It is much larger than I expected, but hey I can live with the scar, the fat is what was killing me. I am only 3 weeks out and the scar is not that noticeable any more. It realy looks great.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My scales are I are going to fight. LOL. I weigh or was weighing every morning, and I figured out fast, that I cannot do that. I have set my weighing up for once a week. I guess my weight loss would be the only thing. I think I should weigh less than what I do, but that will soon change. I just have to be patient.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, I am still treated the same. Everyone just watches what I eat and how much. My Mom panicks when she thinks I eat more than 2 oz, but I assure her that I am eating my limit.