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

I don't remember how I found out. My initial impression was how can I do it?

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

I was approved after the first letter to my insurance company.

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

My first visit with Dr. Kelly was amazing. First I met with his assistant, Robin and she answered all my questions and filled me in on all the details of the surgery. by the time the Doctor came in, I had nothing left to talk about.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

All the sucess I have seen and heard about.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

This is what's available in my area.

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 am afraid of not being around for my children, but if I don't do something about my weight, I'll most likely die young anyway. Just remember that as soon as you go to sleep....you wake up, that's the miracle of anesthesia.

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?

Most of my family and friends are trying to discourage me from having it done, but my mom, husband and children are all for it and that's what counts. I have all the support I need. Now that I am post-op, everyone is so glad that I have been such a success.

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

I am currently on SSI, because I can't work.

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

My stay at Worcester Memorial was wonderful. I had a private room with shower etc. The staff were excellent, they took very good care of me. I went in on Monday at 5:40 am and was home by Thursday at 3:00pm. I brought a lot of things to keep me comfortable, but only used the cd walkman with some relaxing music, my body hug pillow, a teddy bear from my children and toiletries.

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

There were no complications at all. 5/21/02: I'm 19 weeks out and losing my hair. I'm told that after 9 months to a year it will fill back in.

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 just tried to stay focused, get the house in order. Alot of busy work. My husband is also away on Military duty...due to this God forsaken war...so things were and still area bit tense. You just have to keep moving day by day.

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

1-15-02: I am 1 week and a day post-op, and I'll tell you it is no walk in the park. But each day is better than the last. I have lost 15.5 pounds so far, so that gives me a better outlook.

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

I have to travel about an hour.

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.

I am just beginning week #2 of Carnation instant breakfast, "No sugar added" 4 oz. every 2 hours, 8 times a day. and basically clear liquids on the hour in between. I am tired of the CIB. It's making sick to my stomach. I just have to sip slowly and dream of that poached egg I get to have at the end of three weeks. 3/21/02: I am 10 weeks post-op and feel wonderful. I can eat anything as long as it's low fat and no sugar. the only food I have a problem with is chicken. 11/28/02: I'm almost 11 months out and still am not able to tolerate sugar ( thank GOD) I can tolerate most any thing else...I still have a small problem with meat if it's even the least bit dry...But all in all, I'm great. 1/11/04: I can tolerate anything now...I still dump with certain things like ice cream...

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

not very active yet. Still have some pain. 3/21/02: I have so much energy that I feel like I could run a marathon, it's just usually short lived but, I always get that second wind after resting for a bit. 1/11/04: I am full of life!!!!!!!!

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

Tums bone health 2x day, chewable multi-vitamin 1x day. 500mg vitamin B-12. 5/21/02: I'm now also taking an iron suppliment 1/11/04: I am now only taking a multi-vitamin and b-12.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I haven't had any side effects. I vomitted a couple of times because I didn't chew well, but that's it. i haven't lost much hair at all. 5/21/02: The hair loss is really hard to deal with, but I just keep telling myself that it's only temporary. 11/28/02: The hair loss slowed down especially after cutting it short, but now it's starting back up again..I'm upping my protein, so hopefully that will help...it did last time.

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

The pain for that first week after surgery.

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

My scar is like a smiley face. I have five incisions, one under each breast and then three about 1 1/2 inches above my belly button that sort of form a mouth, it's kind of cute. that's God's smile for my new life :0) 1/11/04: The saggy flesh helps hide the scars...but there aren't really any to speak of...they have faded to almost nothing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

3/21/02: I haven't reached a plateau yet (knock on wood)I'm 10 weeks out and feeling fine. 5/21/02: Haven't hit any plateaus yet-19 weeks out 11/28/02: I only lose about 5 pounds a month now, but at least I'm still losing. I've upped my protein, to see how that goes. 1/11/04: I haven't lost any weight in months...I actually gained 8 pounds through the holidays......80(

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are taking notice of me alot more. I wasn't afraid to tell everyone i saw that I was having this surgery, so now people watch for me to come just to see how I'm doing. i had a woman that works at CVS Pharmacy, yell down an isle "Hey slim" that felt good. I'm far from slim, but I'm sure on my way. 11/28/02: People are having a hard time recognizing me, I'm so different now, I even cut my hair short...and my hair has been long most of my life. 1/11/04: It's a shame that it took losing wieght to be treated like a normal human being....but it sure does feel good!!!!!