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

Through the grapevine. I lived in Tucson and it was done in Phoenix. I had it done in Phoenix in 1998, lost weight, but regained it. I failed this surgery and this surgery failed me. The stomach was stapled, but not separated.

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

The 1st time with Cigna, no problem. The 2nd time, they said ok until it was time for surgery, then they denied, then I had to sue.

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

Exciting. Be open, honest and ready.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't think I would live another day. I was living on borrowed time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was a given 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?

The first time, no complications. The 2nd time, I had complications. Talk to the surgeon.

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'm self supportive.

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

Good response. Out of work 3 weeks, then another week and some days.

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

It was lengthy due to my complications due to my previous surgery. Nothing to bring.

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

Yes, I had complications. constant frothing. I kept calling the office and they kept telling me I was doing things wrong, but I wasn't, I had a striture. The surgeon took care of it right away.

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 anxious. One day at a time.

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

I was an exception due to complications and stomach feeding.

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

I didn't attend any but it is important.

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

My first surgery was open, 2nd was lapro.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Many plateaus, just keep on keeping on.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I'm looked at and treated more like a normal person, not a fat person.