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

Known about it for years, but never considered it until I begin to see others around me with diabetes loss limbs. And the fact that my husband who is 18 years older was much more healthier, I decided that I needed to do something with my life.

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

Did not need percertification. Medicare paid first, then BC picked up the remainder.

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

Nervous, but excited.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went in with a made up mind. Even to the point that I was willing to risk my life to have this surgery. Plus there was much prayer that went out. I first got the go ahead from the Lord. From that point on, it was a done deal.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor thought that Lap would work for me.

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?

None

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?

Sister was excited. Husband was afraid and nervous.

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

It was my first time ever in a hospital. Only stayed two days, the nurses were great to me, however, I was there first gastri by-pass LAP patient.

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

no.

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 felt great, slept great for the first time in my life. No anxiety.

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

I did more going the first two weeks than I did before. Also had a lot of energy. No pain whatsoever.

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

Hospital was only about 10 miles from home

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

There is a local group that I have attended a couple of times. But it does coincide with my work schedule.

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

Only have Lap scare. Not bad at all! My husband tease me about being porker dotted (smile).

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm just breaking through a 4 month plateau. I have tried exercising, eating less and even protein shakes, nothing seem to help. I would loss 3 or 4 lbs, then put it back on the next day. Very frustrating. This morning, I lost down to 201, can't wait to get under 200 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Especially men! People that I share that I had the surgery they all compliment me that I would do should a thing for my health. The people that new me at my heaviest like the new me. I see a different in the way they look at me and treat me.