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

My cousin had the surgery about 20 years ago but I wasn't interested in it at that time. Lately, I've seen commercials on t.v. for bariatric surgery. I sent away for information. After reading it, I called my primary care physician and scheduled an appt. to talk to her about 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 very easy for me to get approval. I was never denied anything by my insurance co. I did everything by the book. I have PhP.

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

My surgeon was great. He answered all my questions before I asked them. Ask alot of questions. Don't leave wondering.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only does RNY; open and lap. I decided to do open because the procedure only takes about 1 1/2 hours vs. 4 hours for Lap.

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 knew if I didn't have the surgery I would die from obesity. I figured my odds of surviving surgery were better than my odds of living a long, normal life as an obese person.

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 has been great. Very supportive. My friends were great,too. I have one friend who was actually jealous. We didn't talk for along time after the surgery. She didn't like the idea of me being smaller than her. She's getting over it.

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

My employer was all for it. I told them it was a positive thing for the company. I would lose alot of weight yet gain tons of energy thus improving my productivity. I was out of work four weeks.

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

I attend the Circle of Friends support group in Bath, Michigan. I believe this is very important because it keeps you in check. You don't forget the purpose of the surgery, and if you have any questions, you can ask a room full of people who have already been there.

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

My scar starts at about my rib cage and goes straight down to just above my belly button. It is a very thin line. I don't ever plan on wearing a bikini or midrif, so I'm not too worried. It is not an ugly scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has been one plateau after another. I lose 5-10 lbs. all at once and then nothing for about 2 weeks. It has been like this for 2 1/2 months (since the surgery).

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! Ther are people at my work that barely ever said a word to me. Now they say hi every day and some even ask about the surgery. I get more doors opened for me now. More strangers smile and say hi than ever before. I wonder if it isn't my attitude towards life now.