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

I heard about Carnie Wilson having it done. When I saw her after pictures, I thought "Wow, I wish I could get that done. It must be nice to be rich". I thought it was considered a cosmetic surgery and that I would have no chance of having it done.

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

My experience went pretty well. The only problem was with my PCP writing my letter. They were all for the surgery but it took them 4 months to get my letter. Finally I wrote one myself, made an appointment, went in there and told them this is what it needs to say. Had it in a week. My advice would be that is you are just starting, make the consultation appt anyway. You dont know what the waiting list will be like. Also ask them what tests they require (some will tell you) so you can work on them. Also, most now are requiring a doc supervised diet, so get on one. And be patient, it will happen.

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

First visit was great. he explained all of my options and gave me all the info I needed to start preparing. I think to get the most, make sure you write down all of your questions. I didn't and once he walked in the room, my questions went out.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight effecting my daughter and that I finally went over 300 lbs. I weighed more the day of surgery then I did at 9 months pregnant.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY vs Band I figured I'm going thru with surgery I might as well go all the way and be transected. I wasn't going to have surgery just to have a band around my stomache. Didn't make sense to me. But it was my decision and that is my opinion.

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 feared the most that this isn't going to work. I have NEVER been anything but overweight. I don't know how to be thin. I dont't know what that feels like. Then next thing would be dying but because I wouldn't want my daughter to be without me. She is only 3.

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 Grandmother was all for this. My dad was ok but said to me "Why don't you eat less and exercise". This coming form a man who weighs about 270 himself. My fiance was ok with it and told me it was my decision but wanted me to know he loved me no matter what I look like. My mother was scared for me but knows once I say I'm doing it, it's done. I've only told a few other family members and they supported me. The rest of the family will find out in time and whatever they say, whocares, I've already done it. Everyone is supporting me great. My cousin wants to have it done now...lol People call to see if I am doing everything I should and keep telling me to take it slow. But everyone is great.

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

I told them I was having my gallbladder out. Which actually wasn't a lie. I did have it out during the surgery. I will go back after my next appt with the surgeon. So I am out 4 weeks so far, will be 6 weeks total. I'm milking it.

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

I was there from 12-31-03 to 1-5-03. By choice. I got to stay an extra day. My stay was really great. I got to meet 2 people who also had the surgery with my surgeon and also met a nurse who had the surgery. I only had a problem with one of the nurses that came to draw my blood. I am a hard stick and I told her to use a butterfly needle and she got an attitude with me. That was really it. As far as what to bring, I think you need your chap stick, pillow, robe (I brought jogging pants and t-shirts...I hate those gowns) and something to read or keep you busy.

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

No complications to date. Thank God!! (knock on wood)

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

After I got my date I was nervous but I knew this is what I had to do. My weight just kept getting higher and higher. I want to see my baby grow up. I just kept thinking that after I will be ok and be able to live.

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

I really dont go to any support groups. I have a friend who is having the surgery and we are each others support. But it is very important to have at least someone. You need someone to talk to this about.

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

I had open RNY and my scar is about 6 inches long with three little dots from the tubes. It is better than I expected. I thought it might be longer.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

OMG. Boy have I plateaued. I am just short of three months shy and about 2 weeks out I didn't loose anything for 2 weeks. Then I started to but 3 weeks later went on another. And I just got off a 3 week plateau. I really hate them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just that everyone keeps asking if I am feeling ok. Other that that nothing is different.