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

Heard about Carnie Wilson's upcoming surgery and watched her surgery on the internet live and became addicted to "A Doctor in Your House" website. Read information daily and searched for other websites. My initial impression was "Wow!!" This is for me!!

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

I switched insurance company's twice to find an insurance company that was WLS friendly. My first company had a written exclusion, I researched, chose UHC when open enrollment came up with my company. They had a history of approving WLS. By the time I signed on they had changed their policy. All new policies written contained an air-tight exclusion for WLS. So, I was back to square one. Luckily I was able to make a switch to Aetna on 12/1. If I hadn't been able to make that switch I was going to borrow money from my 401K to pay for the surgery.

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

My first person-to-person visit only lasted 15 minutes. I had seen him previously with a group of about 50 where he had answered all of my questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The risk was worth it!! The good outweighed the bad!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Researched different procedures, seemed to be the one that would work for my situation

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 wasn't really fearful of dying during the procedure, but I wasn't so sure 24 hours later when I was trying to get up, go to the bathroom , etc. And, a week later when I was having breathing problems I finally realized that this procedure had life-threatening as well as life-saving ramifications.

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 have generally been supportive. My mother spent 2 weeks with me, which was a great help!

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

Very supportive , encouraged me to "go for it!!". I was off work 3 weeks, would have been back a week sooner, but had breathing/oxygen/potassium problems.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days, home 2, back in for 3 more. Chapstick, slippers, robe. Everything else was furnished by the hospital.

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

My oxygen and potassium levels caused me trouble after going home. I had to be re-admitted for 3 more days and was sent home with oxygen and a Nebulzier for breathing treatments.

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'm 7 weeks post-op and I feel good!! I'm not doing cartwheels yet, but just give me a few months!

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

I was very tired, I naped every afternoon 1-1/2 - 2 hours. I didn't even feel like cooking for my husband. I sat at the table and told my hubby what to do, and he did a great job!!

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

4-1/2 hoour drive. I have to communicate with the surgeon's office via phone, but I haven't found that a handicap. They have been very accessible , even on weekends.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

The first couple of weeks that I was home, the smell of cooking food made me cough. Even chicken broth made me cough! Finally, I was able to raise a spoon to my mouth without coughing. The only thing that I seem to have trouble with is meat. Even chick gives me trouble. Everything seems so dry, and sticks . I do best with casserole dishes.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

While I was on oxygen for 2 weeks after surgery my activity level was minimal. After I was taken off of oxygen I started walking my dogs a couple of times a day.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take a flintstones vitamin and 2 tums in the AM.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The trip back home - 4-1/2 hours after surgery

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

I have attended the KC WLSG a couple of times. Find them very supportive and information. Because my surgeon was in St. Louis, I cannot attend his support groups.

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

I had 37 staples, so my scar is about 6" long, a bit longer than I expected. It's still pretty pink , but I'm sure it'll fade. I'm not going to be wearing a bikini, so it really doesn't matter to me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. People look at you differently, greet you differently, they see you as more approachable, friendly, intelligent. And I must admit, even though I'm still the same person, I find myself being more outgoing, more friendly because I feel better about myself.