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

I was watching a show with Singer Carnie Wilson. After seeing that show and hearing how good she was doing, I was on the internet researching.

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

I really don't have any advice with the insurance. I was approved in one week after seeing the doctor for the first time.

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

The office staff in Dr. Brown's office were wonderful!! They made you very comfortable and relaxed. I would have to say to just relax and make sure you get all your questions answered (make a list)

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My long term health made me finally decide to have the surgery. I work out a lot and my joints were starting to really hurt. I had no other heath problems but wanted to get healthy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That was easy!! I wanted the littlest amount of scaring and did not like to be cut on. SO lap was the one 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?

I really did not have any fears about the actual surgery. My fears were of the unknown. How will I look after I loose all the weight? That was my biggest fear.

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 FRIENDS WERE SO SUPPORTIVE AND GREAT. I could not have had better friends then them!! My Friends were really my main support group. I only told my very close friends and chose not to tell family until after surgery. But gave in and told my mother about the surgery 2 days before. I did not want any negativity from anyone. Because when my mind is made up thats it!!

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

I choose not to tell anyone in my office. I feel that it is a private issue on what I decide to do with my life. Therefore I only informed my payroll clerk of what I was having surgery for.

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

Im an exception to the rules. My stay was great. I only stayed 1 day in the hospital. I brought just a over night bag and did not use a thing. They have everything for you in the hospital.

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

NO complications!!! Thank GOD!

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

The only anxeity I felt was the fear of the unknown. "how will I look after I loose all the weight" That was it.

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

The first couple of nights were hard. I could not sleep on my side or lay flat. After a few days it was fine. I was up and around the next day from surgery. I went shopping 4 days after surgery and was able to drive also. I had a mind set to not let anything get in my way to recovery.

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

My hospital and Dr. were only a mile from my house.

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.

Ok once again Exception to all the rules. I was on liquids for 4 days and then moved myself to pureed foods. (mashed potatoes, hot cooked cereals, applesauce, cottage cheese, jello, mac & cheese and yogurt. ALL fat free and sugar free.

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

Back to normal after 4 days.

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

Im on Prenatal vitamins / calcum with soy and Vitamin D / and B12

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 have only had a small dumping episode. I had Gerber's Pears and that did not sit well with me. That was the only problem I have had.

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

NOT ONE THING!!!!!!!!!!!

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

I took 4 Pre-Op Nutrition Classes before the surgery and they also have a great support group. THIS was one of the greatest classes I have ever taken. SO much needed information and support from these classes.

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

I have 6 very little scars and it is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not any as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Nope