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

At first, I had read about Carnie Wilson back in 1999 and thought she was nuts for doing something like that. When I saw that I was reaching 300lbs, I realized that I didn't want to die young, I want to be around for my husband and my son - that's when I decided to research it.

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

I had BC/BS at the time and it was a great plan. I did not have any co-morbities besides the occasional muscle aches due to carrying lots of weight. My surgeon's office handled the paperwork and I was approved within one week. My advice would be to ask your PCP for a good surgeon referral, and he can also recommend a good surgeon that works within your insurance plan.

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

My surgeon was very busy, but he took the time to go over the most important information about the surgery. I was very prepared for this meeting and had done extensive research beforehand, so I didn't have many questions, besides his procedures. My surgeon explained to me the precautions he takes during surgery to avoid complications, which is what impressed me the most.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Once I researched the surgery (to the point where I could probably perform it myself) and discussed it with my husband, I decided that this would be the only option for me to prevent any health problems later in life. I decided to do something now rather than 10 years down the line when it's too late. I want to live a long and healthy life, and being morbidly obese would not help me do this.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon does the roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery both open or laporoscopically. I chose the RNY because statistically it was the procedure with the highest success rate.

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?

There is a risk with any surgery, not just WLS. So of course I had a fear of death or complications, but my surgeon reassured me of his precautions and that made me feel better. Plus I was having it done by a very respectable surgeon and hospital.

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 husband was very supportive, he knew I wasn't happy with myself, and told me that he would be by my side no-matter-what. My friends and family also were supportive. A few people were skeptical and had comments, but I felt that this was my decision and it didn't matter what they thought. I found that most people aren't too interested in discussing the surgery with you, unless they understand what you went through.

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

I didn't discuss my decision with my employer in too much detail. They realized that this was something I needed to do. I told them that I had a medical problem that required me to have stomach surgery. I had lap RNY and was out of work for 6 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 okay. The night shift was scarce when you needed something, but in general, the nursing staff was nice. I was discharged on the 4th day. Some necessary things to bring were underwear, your toothbrush, some lip balm (Blistex), and slippers.

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

I had no complications from the surgery.

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

When I got my surgery date, I felt like partying! I gained 10lbs before I had surgery because I kept eating like it was my last meal. I coped with my anxiety by attending monthly support group meetings and talking with others. I also checked out ObesityHelp.com for suggestions on preparing for post-op.

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

My first few weeks home were rough. I was in pain the first week and had trouble sleeping, so I slept on the couch for 3 weeks. I felt a little "mental withdrawl" from food even though I was not hungry. I was very tired most of the time. After about the 6th week, I was feeling much better and had more energy.

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

I only had to travel 25 minutes to the city to get to my hospital.

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.

For the first two weeks, I was on liquids and pureed foods. I tolerated these well. I started regular food approximately 3 1/2 weeks post op and have been fine since. I am now 4 months post op and have not had dumping syndrome. There are times when I eat too fast or too much, but other than that, I can tolerate 99% of my food. Bananas seem to be the only food I cannot tolerate very well.

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

In the beginning, I was very weak and couldn't walk too far or up steps too much, but once I started eating more protein and vitamins, I now walk better without huffing and puffing.

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

I make sure to eat protein with every meal and snacks. I take a daily multivitamin, 1200mg of calcium, 325mg of iron, and 500mg of vitamin B12 every day. Plus I try to drink water as much as possible instead of soft drinks or tea.

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?

The nausea was only worse in the beginning, but seemed to subside as the weeks went on. At about 3 months post op, I started to experience more hair loss than normal. I am sleeping better than ever, and have not had any dumping. I've only vomitted twice so far and that was due to overeating. I am trying to take my time when eating.

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

The worst part was the few days after surgery and dealing with the emotions and physical pain. Once I got through them and started seeing results, I started to feel so much better.

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

I attend monthly support group meetings. I feel this is a good supplement to my aftercare, and it gives me the chance to share my story and experiences with others. It also gives me a chance to talk with others who are going through the same experiences as I am, plus get helpful suggestions and tips on being successful.

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

I have 6 small scars from my surgery. I expected this, but they are slowly fading. I feel that the scars are a small price to pay for my life.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I encountered a plateau at about 3 1/2 months post op. I stayed the same weight for a week and a half. I just continued to stay positive and tell myself that this is expected as my body heals. I just made sure that I was continuing my responsibilities and the weight started coming off again. The good news is that I kept losing inches even though the pounds didn't budge!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, people still seem to treat me the same. I am still overweight and have a lot more to lose, but I'm not worried about others. As long as I feel good about myself and I'm more comfortable, I'm happy. I have noticed that some people can be negative when I mention how much weight I have lost, it almost seems like they are hoping you fail...