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

I started researching it online, finding out what types were available, then talking about it with my husband while crying my eyes out. At that point we went to our family doctor. The whole appt. I sat and cried while my husband talked to our doctor because I simply couldn't. I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself for letting my weight get so out of control.

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

My insurance isn't worth the money I pay monthly for it. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi simply won't cover any treatment for weight loss if you work for a small company.

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

I met my surgeon the day before I had surgery. I'd e-mailed him daily before going to Spain for my surgery. And I couldn't be happier with the choice I made to go to Spain. Dr. Baltasar is an angel. He truly cares for each and every one of his patients.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was either have surgery, or die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the procedure which would be the most fail-proof while allowing me to eat pretty much as a normal person would.

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 worried about dying while on the operating table, but I knew I was gonna die soon anyway if I didn't have the surgery.

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 family and friends were very supportive, so supportive in fact that they held a fund-raiser at my church to help with the medical costs since I was having to go self-pay. Everyone is still very supportive of my decision to have weight loss.

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

My employers were also very supportive of my decision to have surgery. I was only out of work full-time for about 2 1/2 weeks. I started going in half days next and built up to working full days. I had no problems at all with my employers.

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

My stay in the hospital was very comfortable. The other patients and i were in and out of each other's rooms all day long. I was in the hospital from Tues. Oct. 2 until Sunday Oct. 7 and flew home on Oct. 8.

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

The first few nights home were kinda rough in getting out of a regular bed. I took several naps a day, some sitting up in my chair in the living room, while dosed with pain killers.

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

I flew to Madrid, Spain, and then rode in a taxi for 4 hours to the little town of Alcoy for my surgery. My aftercare is being handled by my family doctor with help from my surgeon via e-mail.

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

My activity level gradually increased as the weeks after surgery went by.

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

I take calcium twice daily, ADEK vitamins twice daily

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

I go to a local support group, and belong to 2 online groups, one of which my surgeon is a member. These people are all very important to me. Nothing is held back, and everyone is so understanding.

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

My scar doesn't look bad at all. and yes it is like what I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes people treat me differently, they are much friendlier, and I've noticed a few guys checking me out which of course is both funny and very very nice. :)