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

My sister had the surgery first and I watched her progress.

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

I had no problems at all. I was almost six hundred pounds

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

I was there for two days. It was great. My doctor was wonderful and his support staff were great. I was treated with respect and dignity.

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

no

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

Well I was very, very nervous. I know by watching my sister that this was a very serious surgery and a very serious choice I had made. Because I had went to several support group meetings and really did the research I was not too crazy about the situation. I knew if I did not have the surgery, I probably would have become very sick or died.

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

On my God, It was crazy. You cannot eat. I watched the food network all day. I was watching my body, watching how I walked. crazy things.

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

The after care was great. I went to several meetings. the staff called to make sure I was getting the assistance that I needed. And I had my sister. It is very, very important to find a partner.

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

Non existent

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh my God yes. It brings me to tears to talk about it. because we i was heavier people ignored or laughed at me. Now people speak, open up the doors, treat me like a human being. before i was treated as some kind of alien. I became very upset at the situation because inside I was the same person, but it made me realize how the physical part of us are judged.