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

From commercials on t.v., at first I just didn't pay any attention to them, then I started to really look at the ads and decided to call and see what was what.

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

Mine was a fairly good experience. People need to know tho that there is a fair amount of waiting to hear from them. And your primary dr doesn't always know the proceedure so you might have to educate them.They don't know the proceedture the insurence co. wants.So you have to call and find out. Keep calling and find out, stick to it.

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

well i certainly didn't know what to expect. Make a list of your concerns and questions so you don't forget. Investigate all you can before you go so you know as mush about whats sopposed to go on as you can.Take some one with you. What you don't hear they will.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just couldn't take it any more. I couldn't walk, breath, function. I hated myself. I wanted my life back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was only familier with gastric from the Beriatric commercials and the Carny Wilson had it done so there you go.

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 was dying any way so what did I have to loose?! Other people have to search their own souls and decide whats best for them. I don't have any fears.If you investigate you should make a better decision

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 and friends were concerned but behind me.My daughter ws scared and she really didn't want to address the situation.She is fine with it now, but then of course it's over and I'm doing well

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

I asked to speak to her privatly, told her and she was very pleased for me. She had a friend who had it done and she also has known me for 15 years and knew the strugle I have had. I was off work for 6 weeks, I think it should have been alittle more myself.

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

I was in my hospital for 7 days, I would have liked to see the surgeon more..I didn't even see her for about 4 days post-op. And I could have used more pain killers..the first few days were tuff. Just ice chips were a blessing..altho once my dr. found out I was getting them she stopped it..don't know why, I wasn't swallowing the water.

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

Actually my surgery went very well..I didn't even have coughing as some people did,,that hurts I'm told...I had just a small amount near the end of the first week...but I handled it. Thats all .

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 just so excited that all I wanted was for that time to go fast..I cleaned house and got my life organised so that when I came home everything was set so I could just consintrate on getting well. Payed bills, did laundry, got the will updated, ect. And I felt an overwhelming feeling of relief that finally something was being done to help myself.

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

We don't have a support group of anykind with this Dr., and I'm sad thats so, we certainly need one. It would be so helpful. My surgeons have the view that they are the end all of all information and that NO ONE knows but them so we don't NEED to talk to anyone or get suggestions from anyone but them.

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

It runs from just under my Breasts to my navel....38 staples. It's thin and now it's so pale that I forget it's there. It is better looking then most I've seen or expected..I'm thankful for that but it wouldn't have mattered if it weren't, I needed the surgery more then the vanity about a scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well now, I've had a huge one. I haven't lost a pound for months..about 8 to be exact, my Dr. says I'm way behind in my weight loss. I've been tested, every way there is, they thought I even had a tumor in my liver at one pointe. But I've started to loose again and now I'm pleased. I figure I'm menapausel and 50, so that could be a facter, so I upped the excersise and water, protein. It has helped emensley

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Of course, Men deffenetly pay more attention, my daughter says they always did I just didn't notice, but I say it;s more now. People seem to gravitate to me more in a friendly way. I get doors opened for me now and I was on a plane recently and I watched another heavy person being treated awfuly and I felt so sad.And someone always has to tell me some horror storey about this surgery..never fails.