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

My friend Carol had it and was so pleased. I was with her in the hospital and liked the staff and love Dr. Gorosbe.

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

I have the precertification number for the insurance company and I am too scared to call it! I am waiting for my doctor's office to get a letter from them.

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

It was great! I would like to get the names and numbers of the other people who attended this meeting so we could stay in touch. I felt really happy to be in such an accepting environment and felt extremely informed when I left.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I got sick and tired of being sick and tired.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Surgeon's recommendation

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 fear staying 100 pounds overweight more than any complications. Complications? You wanna' see complications, try getting thru a day carrying this warm squishy 100 pound overcoat of fat I am wearing!

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 sister and of course Mom are very supportive. My friends and acquaintances have heard horror stories and are trying to talk me out of it.

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

The CPA was horrified at the thought that our insurance would pay for it and ran to the phone, hopefully to get me disqualified. My direct supervisor is supportive. I am saving sick and vacation days to use for the surgery and recuperation.

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

Dr. Gorospe has a "Fan Club/Support Group" which meets the second Monday of the month and a few of his patients have formed a group on Yahoo and they are VERY important to me. Lots of love and support! They visit us in the hospital and care about our little aches and problems.

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

A red line from just below my bra line to almost my navel. I am using the Medderma and it is responding well. It is smaller than I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, my sister who is heavier than I was is unconciously mad at me, my Mom is so thrilled, my friends and children are so happy for me, the men I know are so interested and happy and one former romantic interest is suddenly interested again.