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

I actually found out about weight loss surgery from a couple of good friends that had it. I didn't consider myself heavy enough to consider a surgical intervention so I went to the non-surgical seminar at our local hospital. I analyzed that program objectively and decided that I needed something that addressed my psychological relationship with food. I sought counseling and support and overtime I came to realize that the surgical option was the right choice for me.

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

My employer has a specific exclusion in place to block any types of WLS, despite being a hospital that performs them for profit. I decided I would not be denied and self-paid for the surgery.

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

My first appointment was great. My surgeon is very professional and has a great reputation. I feel extremely comfortable working with him. My biggest advice is to have a list of questions ready for the doctor even if you think they are silly. Have an open dialogue about what type of surgery he or she feels would benefit you the most.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had reached my breaking point and decided that NOTHING would prevent me from living the life I wanted. The interactions with my surgeon reinforced to me that I was making the intelligent decision. My labs were in the toilet and I had become pretty sick.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose based on my co-morbidities and the bypass gave me the best opportunity to correct them.

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?

My biggest fear is the anesthesia and having an adverse reaction to it. I would remind people that they are dying now, just slower.

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?

Not as well as I had hoped. My family has been great, but people outside of that have not been overly supportive. They have the typical "easy way out" response. Again though, I will not be denied and their reactions have only strengthened my resolve.

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

My employer has been supportive.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I am actually having the surgery at a different hospital than I first sought treatment. I was not impressed by the first hospital's information session and my initial meeting with my surgeon. I went to my PCP who recommended that I speak with a different surgeon. I am so happy that I did because I'm completely comfortable now. It is important that if something doesn't seem right that you seek additional information. Don't be passive in this process!

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

I haven't had surgery yet. My surgery is two weeks from now and I will update this after the fact.

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

My surgeon operates 15 minutes from my home.