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

I first heard about it with Carne Wilson's story. From that day on, I wanted to do it, but did not discuss it with anyone. Then one night I was flipping channels at about 2:00 AM and on MTV, they were following a story of a girl who had it done and by 5 months had lost 100 lbs. I knew that for some reason I was meant to watch this program. I talked to my husband about it the next day and he was supportive. I called my insurance, and they said that they would cover it if I was 100 lbs over weight. Well, I was,so I made an appointment with the Dr. and that was the end of t.

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 with insurance and approval.

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

I had met previously with a different surgeon, so all of my questions were answered. Be as prepared as you can, do research and ask lots of questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had sleep apnea, depression and severe back and knee problems. I was only 28 yrs old and constantly worried about my kids growing up without a mom.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon decieded 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 cried the whole way to the hospital, thinking that I may have seen my kids for the last time. I had to look at it, that if I didn't do something about my weight, I would not be there for them anyways. I put my trust in God and my surgeon. They both pulled through 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?

Friends were great, family was a little tougher. Friends thought about the overall outcome. Family were concerned about death and long term effects. All of them were very supportive after surgery, and still continue to be.

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

I told my Manager and his Manager (both very excited for me), but everyone else thought I was having my galbladder and appendix taken out. I was gone for 3 weeks.

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 in the hospital. I was there Mon-Fri. Honestly, I was in a gown until the day I left. When leaving, I put on the same clothes that I wore the morning to check in. I would say, don't bring anything but shower and toiletry items.

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

No

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 pretty good. The only battle that I really have ever had, is finding a variety of foods that you can eat, as well as getting in protien and vitamins.

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

To be very uncomfortable, lacking in sleep and frustrated with your food choices.

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

In town

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.

Difficult items are meats, breads and sweets. With time, all of these can be eaten again.

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

My back pain was gone before I left the hospital, so I started walking within a couple of weeks from surgery date.

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

Just a multi-vitamin and Viactive chewable calcium

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 had issues with vomiting, all self induced. My hair loss was pretty substantial. That was the hardest part. I had really long hair, but found it necessary to cut it off, as it was looking rather stringy. It has since filled back in.

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

The return home was the most difficult. Getting used to the new life without the old vices.

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

I found 3 other people that had the surgery. I see one at every Dr. appointment and the other 2, I bug on a regular basis. I don't have many problems or questions, so they are great to talk to, but if for some reason I was unable to get in touch with them, I would still be ok.

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

UGLY. It is big, red and bubbly. It is what I expected, I have had smaller surgeries in the past and my scars healed the same way.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not had any yet. I have consistantly lost 90 lbs in 2.75 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have just begun to get a ton of compliments, but I still get the looks and comments.