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

Well, I know people that had the surgery 20+ years ago and they have all had major problems. But then I saw Al Roker of the Today show and I started thinking about it again. Even that scared me at first because he said 1 of 2 people don't survive surgery...not true I have found out. I started researching on the Internet and talking to a friend about it. We both really wanted to do it but I told her to go first. (She did) I still was not sure, but kept watching her. That impressed me, watching the weight just drop off of her.

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

Well, I personally did not have any problems getting approval. I had so many health problems that literally threatened my life, and I had to choose the surgery or not be around in a couple of years to talk about it. All of my issues were documented by my primary care doctor, and I think the insurance company figured it would be cheaper for them to pay for the surgery than to keep paying for all the doctor appts and medications. I have Blue Cross PPO and I have double coverage from my husbands insurance, also Blue Cross PPO. I am very fortunate to have such good coverage.

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

I was nervous at first but then I met him. Dr. Zafar Parvez, in Fresno, CA. He put me at ease right away. He really cares about his patients and he is very honest about the fact that the surgery is not the answer or magic pill, it is a tool to help with the weight loss. I went in to the office with all my research papers in hand, and a referral from my primary care doc. I also had a list of questions ready when I got there. I also took someone with me to help me remember everything. (My sister-in-law Toni, is my biggest supporter and cheerleader)If I didn't ask a question, and she thought of it, she did. I was ready to have the surgery before I even met the doctor, but any doubt that may have been lingering, was gone the minute Dr. Parvez walked in the door. He really is the kindest, most caring person. He is strict and he has to be sure the patient is determined to do this. He has to be that way, because this is a life change. Just be sure you are prepared to face the reality of what it will be like after the surgery, and I highly recommend taking someone with you that you trust and can rely on to be there for you thru the whole process. This is so important. Have your questions ready and do some research before the first appt with the doctor. Take a note pad with you to write things down. I am so glad I did that, because I couldn't remember everything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was so bad that I had no choice except the alternative to lay down and give up and die soon. I could hardly walk across the room without being short of breath. My diabetes was getting worse. My feet and legs were so swollen I could hardly walk. High blood pressure, GERD, Irregular heart beat, depression, etc etc..I had to do this. What did I have to lose except the weight? I had hit 375 pounds by the time I went to that first appt with Dr. Parvez...I was so embarrassed. I had never even told my sis-in-law how much I weighed, my own husband didn't even know. Now they knew....and still didn't judge me. No turning back now.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The RNY is the only procedure Dr. Parvez does, and my friend had done so well. Besides I had read stories of others that had the surgery and they seemed to be doing well. The bottom line was I really felt very confident in my doctor and I trusted him completely. I would never have had ANY surgery if I didn't feel that much confidence in the doctor.

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 had fear for a long time prior to surgery while I was researching it. All the statistics I heard were 1 out of 2 never made it thru surgery. It made me delay the surgery longer than I should have. I should have talked to Dr. Parvez long before I did, but I was too scared. What I would say to other people is, don't be afraid to at least consult with a doctor. It turned out to be more frightening to NOT get the surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes they treat me different. People that would never even have spoken to me, are now coming to me and talking,etc. I find this sad because I am still the same person inside I was before. It is that whole stigma that fat people are stupid, dumb, deaf, dirty, etc. Suddenly I guess I am not dumb, deaf or or dirty. Go figure!