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

I first became more aware of the surgery when Carnie Wilson came about. My initial impression - jealousy.

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

I absolutely had no contact with my insurance company. I had no idea when the request was made, to when I was approved. It was smooth sailing.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was nerve-racking. I had a list of questions and I felt comfortable when I left. Having a list of questions is the best way so that you don't forget or freeze up when you get in the office.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have surgery when I seriously felt I had no other options left, but to die. And I felt that dying was not the answer I wanted. I was a 27 year old wife and mother of a 3 year old. I wanted to enjoy life with my husband and son. I wanted to experience what everyone else was experiencing...I felt left out.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I originally made my consultation with my surgeon to discuss the Lap Band, but after consideration, I wanted a more permanent result. I didn't want to have to worry about the bands adjustments and the slower weight loss.

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 didn't have one fear. From my first consultation, I wanted to get in there as soon as possible. I couldn't wait another minute to start a new life. If anyone has fears, you have to ask yourself...do you want to die trying, or die from you health or depression.

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 were supportive prior to surgery. They were more nervous than I was. I told everyone. I was not ashamed, I was totally excited. I would not communicate anything differently. After surgery, I still have the same supporters, and envious ones at that, I might add. Ha-Ha

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

My employer was supportive. I was honest, and everyone I worked with knew the reason I was out. I was out for 2 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was typical. I was only hospitalized once before, and that was for the birth of my first child. I was admitted on a Tuesday morning and discharged on Friday afternoon. It went fairly quick. Honestly, there isn't much to bring, I was on pain medication and basically tried to rest up for the return home.

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

Not-a-one. 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?

In the weeks after my surgery, I felt a bit sad. I was excited about the surgery, but my old habits were still there. I didn't eat all the time because I was hungry, I ate because I liked food, and I still do. However, after surgery, I had to realize when I was truly hungry and not just bored. I admit now, that I still eat sometimes, just to eat, but I try to keep it within moderation.

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

I was only in the hospital for 4 days. I had my surgery done laparscopic and I was up walking that night. When you get home from the hospital you just want to take care of your incisions, drain(if you have one), and rest up for the return to work.

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

The hospital I used was only 15 minutes from my house. It was very convenient for my family to visit me.

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

Prior to surgery I did not work out or ever plan to. I did begin a work out regimen 4 months after surgery and kept up with for about 6 months, but then stopped. I have tried to get back into the swing of things, but to be honest, I haven't. Overall though, due to surgery, I have so much energy, I never sit down now.

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

I take a multi-vitamin and 1000 mcg of B-12. I highly recommend the B-12. I had ran out of mine and figured maybe I didn't need them anymore. Bad mistake. I felt like crap for 2 weeks and couldn't figure out why. Then I began taking them again and I feel great again.

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 never had nausia. I only had vomitting in the beginning months due to trial and error. Which is typical. You learn your boundries. My hair loss began around the 6th month and slowly stopped around my 8th month. My hair still feels thinner than it was, but I am okay with that. I definitely sleep less than I did. Before surgery, I felt I needed at least 12 hours a night, but now I sleep about 8. I tend to wake up a few times during the night, which is frustrating, but I deal with it.

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

Now that I am pretty much done losing weight, the worst part is the excess skin. I knew this from the beginning, but when reality hits, it hits harder. I wear a 12/14 pants, but if I had plastic surgery I could probably get into my goal size of 10.

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

The hospital where I had surgery holds support group meetings once a month. It is very helpful because you realize you are not alone.

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

I had my surgery done laparscopic. I have 6 very tiny incisions. You can barely see them. I am happy. I hate my stretch marks more.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I never seemed to experience any plateaus, however, I feel like I would like to lose 15-20 more pounds, but I have been at my steady weight for about 4 months now. Everyone tells me that I am skinny and if I lost anymore I would be too skinny. If I did have plastic surgery, I would probably be totally content with myself.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do notice that people are nicer to me now. I am happily married, and not looking for anyone, but when I am out, my friends and family will tell me if a guy is checking me out. I never notice because I am not use to men looking at me or seeming interested in me before. It is sorta fun, I guess.