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

A friend of mine from work had the surgery. I wanted to have it done immediately but it ended up taking me 3 years to work up the courage.

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

I did not have any trouble. I was approved on my first try. I did call and bug them a lot hoping to speed up the process and I think that it helped.

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

I was already pretty knowledgeable about the procedure so my surgeon didn't tell me much that I didn't already know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just got to a point in my life where I knew that this was the only thing that was going to work for me long-term. I was not happy with my life as a fat person. I felt that losing weight would be a great first step in dealing with my self-esteem issues.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The open RNY was the only procedure that they did at the BTC that I visited. I would have preferred a lap procedure but was deterred by the additional risks involved.

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 did not have any fears. I felt that this was the path that God was leading me down and if I should die as a result, then that was God's plan.

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?

At first they were shocked and a little worried but as time went by they could see that I was serious and that I had thought long and hard before making my decision. They also learned more about the surgery and that relieved some of their fears. My family has been extremely supportive.

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

There are quite a few people at my work that have had the procedure so it wasn't too big of news.

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

It went fine but I don't remember most of it (great drugs). I was there for 4 days. I brought so much stuff and didn't need any of it. All I did is slept.

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

No. Everything went great.

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 extremely sore for 3 weeks and I probably took it easier than I should have. I definately should have done more walking.

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

I attend the BTC support group that meets in Cadillac, MI. I felt that the information I received there before surgery was extremely helpful. Now I enjoy seeing the changes in the people that attend.

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

It is really starting to fade. In fact, the bottom half is almost gone.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had a few and though they were frustrating, they have only lasted a few weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very much so. People are stopping me all the time to tell me what a great job I am doing. I am single and I do find it irritating to be hit on by guys that wouldn't give me the time of day before.