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

I am not sure how I heard about it. I just knew it would jump start a new me.

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

I had no problems. I got approved in three days.

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

It went great. He made me feel like I could get my weight under control, however, behavior modification was the key into longterm success.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to run a marathon by the age of 40. Well, that was secondary, the first thing was to be an inspiration to my children.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

If I was going to do it right, I wanted it done the right way, with the right doctor. No banding, I wanted the complete change.

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?

No fear, God was by my side. I would do it again tomorrow, without anethesia and drugs. I have no regrets. The next best 40 years is for me.

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?

Everyone was supportive. Some now have become jealous, I run and eat right. I want to be an inspiration to all. We should not judge a book by its cover. The best part of my new life, is I love thick men! I am a lean mean fighting machine, but love my men thick. God help me!!!

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

They were supportive. They encouraged me and still do now. I have had reconstructive surgery and everyone is expecting me to pose nude or semi-nude and send my pictures to every magazine in the world to show them how beautiful I am. By the way, the inside is even better than the outside.

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

I had a great stay. The nurses and my doctor were supportive. Most people brought me sexy new things to wear. To encourage me. I have no regrets.

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

I had a fever the first few days, it went away. Afterwards, I did have to throw up sometimes because I was feeling nausea, or I ate something that just was not digesting well.

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 sluggish, but excited. Never had anxiety. I knew God had a plan for me.

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

Expect not to eat the same!!! Have a less energy. Have faith and a strong support of friends.

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

Less than ten miles.

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.

At first I ate one boiled egg for a meal. That was like the first few weeks. I gradually started to eat tuna, meats, chicken, but small amounts. I added vegetables and then added fruits and carbs. Now I eat a kids meal at all times. I always can eat sugar, never had dumping. I just know the key is moderation and exercise. I also don't beat myself up, well not all the time. I eat not to get filled. I have my portion and then I am done. I also try to snack healthier. I also in the last 15 months have become a vegaterian. I no longer eat meats, chicken or pork. I also have gone all organic.

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

My energy was up and down. Motivation was the key. I wanted this, more than anything else. So I was driven.

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

B12, Iron, multi vitamin, biotin, calcium, vitamin e, vitamin c, and wheatgrass daily.

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

I attend no support groups. I work in the behavioral health field so I have much support there. I joined this site, because my plastic surgeon believes I would be a good candidate for motivational speaking and encouragement to others. I also believe that I may start going just to remember that any one of us can fall. We just need to pick ourselves back up and ride again.

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

Scar is six holes. Skin is another issue. Hence, the surgeries to remove the excess skin. One away from being completely gone of it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Everyday I get asked out, however, I have a hard time finding a quality date. Most people look with their eyes and not with their hearts and head. I appreciate the fact that people think I am attractive, but hey, there is more than that. I am just like anyone else, I have feelings and a mind of my own. I think people sometimes get intimidated by my weight loss, they also don't realize that while I work hard at all levels, I still am almost 40 and no matter what I do, I won't look like a 20 year old model. I still have stretch marks, weight loss and three kids. I also still have thick calves, yes from working out and it is in my gene pool. So, I still am like everyone else, I have issues with my body, but for the most part, am really starting to feel comfortable with how I look.