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

I new about bariatrics for a while but never thought I could get the insurance to approve it. Then while in the hospital my heart doctor recommended that I take a serious look at having a WLS.

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

Insurance companies will say more than they say yes. Be persistant and stay in contact with them daily. If they need something from the doctors make sure it gets to them. Follow up with the key.

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

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask there death rate. Ask how many they have done and ask for names and numbers or emails to ask others what they thought. I am have spoke to a few people that my doctor has sent my way.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Insurance finally approved and to extend my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

For me it was the amount on the table was the concern. VG takes approx 1 hour.

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?

Do you research on your surgeon. You must feel good about your surgeon and there staff. You must be comfortable with the procudure your looing into. There are newsgroups that can help with fears.

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?

My family was worried but estatic for me. They know how I battled obesity most of my life.

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

I was out of work for 6 weeks on the recommendation of my surgeon and cardiologist.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I traveled over 200 miles to have my surgery. My aftercare has be sporadic. Your suppose to seem them 3 months, 6 months, 1 year. I saw them 3 months and again 11 months (1 yr).

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take a one a day, calcium, potassium, and magnessium. Most are per my heart doctor. A one a day is highly important to take.

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

I use the message boards and newsgroups for support. Finding a local support group would be a benefit if you can.

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

I have about a 2 inch scar on my belly button. I also have 4 little hole scars that are not to noticable. I expected more so I am pleased.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a couple of small plateau in the beginning that made me question the surgery. Then I went by them with a day or two and have not looked back sense.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are always amazed at my results. There saying how good I look so yes I am being noticed more. Sometimes I don't like that because I am still me. That is just me.