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

My friend Michele told me about it. We went to one of Dr. Yasrebi's support group meetings and I was hooked. I thought it was too good to be true.

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

I was anxious to get my approval through Aetna. I was turned down first, but I wrote a letter and sent medical records showing that I had tried almost every method of weight loss. It was finally approved. My advice is- when your initial request for approval is sent- be sure to inlcude any medical records that has to do with weight control. DONT GIVE UP!!! Send a request for approval until the insurance company gets tired of sending you denial letters.

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

My doctor was very thorough. He covered everything you could imagine. I am a very trusting person- so I didnt questions alot.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

You didnt have to tell me twice about the surgery. I was all for it from the start

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only does one procedure and he is the only local doctor in my area.

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?

I really didnt have any fears. I figured that so many people has had this procedure done, it must not be too dangerous. I was right. I had no complications. The only thing I felt uncomfortable with was the I.V tube in my arm.

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 husband and my mom were ok with it. My grandparents, aunts and uncles thought I was stupid. Everytime I saw them- they talked so negative. They wouldnt listen to the basics of the surgery. I invited them to the support group meetings and they refused to go, they said they new all about it and that I would gain the weight right back after the surgery. I love proving people wrong. They said I would die or have many problems later on...Maybe if I didnt have the surgery- these things would be true. I am very happy with my decision that I made. Since the surgery, they all acted like they supported me through it. I love proving people wrong.

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 3 weeks. My superviser was a skinny guy who didnt really care. I didnt go into great detail with him. I just filed my short term disability paper work and that was it.

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

Today is October 29, 2001. My scar is about 6 inches and has faded alot. You can hardly see it. I would much rather have this scar than to be overweight.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has dropped to about 5 pounds a month, which is average. I am now down to 158 pounds and I am wearing a size 10-12. Its so nice to buy "normal" clothes. I love being able to go to junior size stores and not having to get their largest size

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed that more people go out of their way to talk to me and not avoid me like they did before. A few people in my company that I work for never made eye contact with me, now email me wanting to know whaty I am doing this weekend