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

I've known abut WLS surgery for years but never considered it within my grasp. This was something that only celebrities did! Then I received the April 2002 issue of Diabetes Forecast and it had an article about WLS. It made this type of surgery seem like something the ordinary person could do! I asked my pcp about it and he said I was a very good candidate. I found out about this website on MyDiabetes.com and the rest is history!

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

I had no trouble with my insurance company, Aetna PPO. My doctor's office took care of everything. I was approved in 15 days.

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

I had used this surgeon before. I had my gall bladder removed 4 years ago. I really like him. One thing I recommend is to write down all your questions. Because you will have a lot of them!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was undecided for a long time. I thought that this was for celebrities and rich people. Then I read an article in the April 2002 issue of Diabetes Forecast reporting on WLS. I got excited and decided to do some research. I found this site and spent several days reading, looking at the before and after pictures, etc. That was when I decided that the surgery was for me!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It's the only one my surgeon does.

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?

There are always worries about risks and complications. I try to concentrate on the benefits. One of my biggest worries has been - what if I fail???

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?

Everyone has been very supportive, once they learned more about the procedure and the benefits to my health.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. They were doing construction on part of the hospital so the AC wasn't working right. It was so hot! The most important thing I brought was my fan...and a pillow for the ride home.

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

No complications.

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

I was excited, nervous, anxious. I just concentrated on the things I needed to do to get ready for the surgery.

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

There is some pain, although not near what I expected. I'm not allowed to lift anything over 10 pounds so I need help with things like the laundry. Cooking is kinda hard because I can't eat any of it!

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

The hospital was abut 45 minutes from home. Not too far for aftercare.

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

I take vitamins formulated for me by a nutritionist, and I give myself B12 shots about once a month.

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

The night before surgery! I was soooo scared!

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

I have a support group that meets twice a month. I really think it is very important as we can support each other through the various stages, and (since my surgeon is part of the group) we can ask questions and get help.

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

I had it done lap. My biggest scar is about three inches long. I have 5 more tiny scars. I call them my "badges of courage".

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The plateaus are frustrating, but I keep in mind that they are temporary.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!!!! I get more respect.