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

I remember years ago hearing about this surgery, thinking, how unfortunate for those who found that necessary; I was about 15 years old. Now as a middle-aged woman of the 90's, I realize we live in wonderful times when science has the ability to help us help ourselves. It is NOT the easy way out, it is NOT what you first perceive or judge...what it is, is this: ANOTHER OPTION. Not for everyone, but for myself, I intuitively KNEW beyond a doubt that this was the course of action for my future. I am writing a book, two actually, and will keep you posted.

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

No issues here for me. My advice to you is to be complete in your answers, double checking everything. If you omit something my insurance had a weekly review and doing so added another week to the process.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Intuition born certainty as well as the National Institute of Health articles made available to me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The decision was totally up to Dr. LePort. Totally.

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 had no fear. While not imminent I knew I would die of heart disease if no action was taken.

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?

Family very supportive. Initially friends reacted with fear and much concern, they are my friends. When I realized their reaction was of concern, and when they realized how thoroughly I had researched...common ground was found and a new deeper basis of love and friendship blossomed.

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

Most important thing to bring was a proactive spirit. I had never been hospitalized or had major surgery -- a new experience. It was a warm time of the year and I wished I had had an electric fan!

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

I went to a neurologist for tingling, burning, sometimes shooting pain in my front thigh. Pinched nerve. Live with it or consider medical action in the future.

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

First dumping brought graphic realization to what dumping IS. No anxieties here. I did need more rest, that's natural I am sure. I used this special time as a time of regrouping, renewal and inner growth. I cherished this time with my extended family.

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

Have what you need ready before your surgery, then you'll be all set.

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

I am a local, perhaps 15 miles away.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Unfortunately about 4 weeks after surgery I tripped off a curb (on the way to the gym for the first time!) and broke my fifth metatarsal of my foot...walking cast! Cramped my style!

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Immediately after surgery, when I awoke, my thought was "What have I done!?"...all uphill after that!

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

I have a support group (Ph.D. level) available to me twice a week. I go absolutely as often as I can (even tho that's usually once or twice a month only).

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

Not bad, kind of cute actually....I like how it looks with a tan.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a 2 month plateau of no weight loss, then in one week I lost 10 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ABSOLUTELY but it wouldn't be fair to say it is just THEM and THEIR reaction to my physical appearance. By that I mean that I know I ACT differently now, I am a different person (as much as I hate to say that) Men are very visual, they can't help it it's physiological!