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

An ad somewhere, I would do anything to change my image. I was not afraid of pain or death.

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

I have Champ VA and it is approved. I had to wait until the Nurses went through all the steps to get approved by them. I kept telling them it is already approved but I still had to go through 3 months of tests. At least I know I am healthy now. Talk to your insurance company and fight for what you want. If you can't get approved, SAVE YOUR MONEY TO GET THIS DONE!!!

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

I went to a seminar and was thinking of Lap-Band at first.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

knowing it was paid for and waiting for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

not wanting to keep up with a band inside. I wanted to do this permanently.

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?

None, I was so miserable being fat that i would face death for this.

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

I have been in Lake Norman before and I love this Hospital! I was there for 2 nights. Toothbrush and toothpaste! Hairbrush, clean undies.

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?

Excited, wanting the time to fly.

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

I had no problems I was sore, like someone punched me. I didn't have and problems eating, go slowly.

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

weightloss center at Lake Norman Hospital. It is somewhat helpful. I will go and ask questions about concerns, like am I drinking enough water? Things like this.

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

small round red marks, they match my moles.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i am at a stand still right now. I will eat less for a few days and kick start it again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

not yet, it has only been 2 months.