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

MY DOCTOR AND I WAS IN LOVE WITH IT!

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

IT WAS BAD, NOBODY WOULD HELP ME AT CIGNA, BUT DON'T GIVE UP STAY ON THE PHONE WITH THEM UNTIL YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

IT WAS GOOD ASK ALOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I WAS TIRED OF BEING FAT AND I KNEW IT WAS FOR ME!!!!!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I talked with the doctor and he said open was best!

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?

No words can tell you what i was feeling that day i was so scared that i would never see my husband or daughter or my family!

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?

They were fine with it and said go for it!!!

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

My stay was good no problems, i was in for 5 days, just the things you would need to get by clothes,tooth brush,etc.

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

no everything went smooth.

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

no i was ready.

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

Do not plan to eat or drink alot.

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

It took 45mins. to get there, it did not affect my aftercare.

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

I did not have any

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

I had 14 stapels, It looks like a real bad scar? Yes it looks like i thought it would! :.(

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I just can not eat MEAT!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

NO, Not yet but they will and soon!