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

I had heard of it over the years but did not activly pursue it until I was told that a co-workers wife had been approved for the surgery by the same insurance carrier I am covered by. That was less than 6 months ago... I honestly feel that bariatric surgery IS my only hope for a longer more "normal" life.

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

Be patient.. Be patient... Be patient...

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

Outstanding! Be honest with yourself on why you are there. Consider the doctor as one who is going to "help" you change your life forever!!! Be grateful that you have decided to do this for yourself... Afterall, you are the one who deserves the best that your life has to offer. GO FOR IT!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that it was my ONLY option to have a chance to live a normal life.I wanted to do something before I started having Major health issues.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Based on what my doctor recommended.

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 do not have any fear regarding this surgery. My thinking is.... if I don't do something I am sure to die.

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?

I have not told anyone other than my wife and my closest friend. I want to surprise the rest of the world :-)

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

My immediate supervisor knows. Being I am a manager I can limit myself to office tasks to hide my condition. I am planning to be off on vacation when I have the surgery so by the time I return to work hopefully I'll be moving around well enough that no one will notice....UNTIL I startd dropping the weight.

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

None

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

Yes, it healed over good. It is noticable but I am proud of it, not ashamed.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At times the weight stops coming off for periods of time even weeks long. I do not let this bother me, I keep on track and soon it starts coming off again, more slowly is all.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ABSOLUTELY!! More positive compliments than I have EVER had in my entire life before my surgery!!!