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

I've known about the surgery for years and just like they tell you in the information my opinion was that it was the easy way out. Now that I'm approved and headed into a major life changing operation I realize how wrong I was. The last thing I'd like to do is face gastric bypass surgery. I'd rather that crabby weight loss lady Jillian Michaels would show up at the front door and kidnap me for 12 months. But since I doubt that's going to happen...I have resigned myself to the next best thing: medical help for a problem that is slowing killing me.

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

Listen to the pre-certification specialist. They KNOW how to get you approved. I had zero trouble with BCBS. 6 months of weigh ins, tracking my meager attempts at exercise and a few office visits with the bariatric doctor was really all that was involved.

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

He was kind and knowledgeable. I wanted him to tell me what to do but he wouldn't. I appreciated most of all that he sat down and said he would stay with me until he answered every single question I had.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Too many failed attempts at dieting and a body that kept ballooning. I knew it wasn't going to get any better. I surpassed the point where I was capable of losing my weight without medical help.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went back and forth a great deal between lapband and gastric bypass. I really had opted for the lapband surgery but then realized that I was probably not the best candidate for it. I had seen people "cheat" the band, lose 60 lbs and stop, etc. I needed something permanent that wouldn't allow me to cheat. And I also wanted to lose my weight faster than you can with a lapband. My knees hurt. My energy level is nil. I don't want to go a whole year and lose 50 lbs. While I realize that you CAN lose more with the lapband...most of the people I know have not. Those I know who have had gastric bypass lost all their weight. I decided to go for it.

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?

Let's be real. I'd be stupid to say I wasn't concerned but I'll step in now and talk about Jesus. I'm a pastor and no matter what happens on that operating table, I'll be okay. I'll either be here on this earth healthier or in heaven perfected. My life is in His hands and I'm fine. I'll hug and kiss my family, leave everyone a note (just in case) and go into surgery excited. Something good is on the other end for me - either way.

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?

I have not told many people because I don't want a fuss made. My husband is nervous and my daughter is supportive. The few friends and co-workers that know are in between - but supportive. They're just a tad nervous. It's major surgery!