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

I haeard about what Carnie Wilson did. I said, "where do I sign up?"

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

My surgery was at USC Hospital. Dr. Gary Anthone was my surgeon. The hospital staff was the best I had ever encountered. Each person was highly trained in their prospective duties and my stay seemed to be "seamless"....I spent 7 days in the hospital... Don't bring too much stuff...you won't need it. I found that I spent most of the time either sleeping, talking with anyone who was there or watching the TV...pretty easy stuff. Wear to the hospital what you will wear home. I suggest something with no waist band....guys, think of a drawstring type of bottom and a loose top.

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

No complications....

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 had no anxiety because I was on a mission to get better. I was totally confident in my team and that gave me utter confidence in facing the surgery.

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

Keep your head. Eating is a trip. Don't eat too much and follow the Dr.'s instructions. Don't lift. Stay active ((as best that you can)). Sleep when you need to. Don't be a hero if you are in pain: take your meds. There is no reason to feel pain. Be sure that you have someone to help you...I found that the simple task of going to the bathroom difficult...I had a great helper, though. Also, make sure that you get some "occupational" training and learn to get in and out of your bed. It makes a big difference.

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

It was local.

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 could eat almost anything....but, and that is a big but.....((not like mine anymore..ha ha ha)) I did have trouble with...pasta, rice, bread and anything spicy....I suggest that if your Dr. has given you a plan, follow it. I seemed to be very comfortable with soup, mashed stuff (potatoes, vegetables). I stayed away from ethnic foods...and eating in restaurants. Currently, I am eating all foods. I still have trouble with fat and sugar. I don't digest either well.

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

The first 4-5 weeks, just walking and walking. Six months I was really walking a great deal. It is now two years later, and I am lifting weights and exercising...and still walking.

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

I take pre-natal vitamins, Vitamin D, Fiber, Calcium. I also take something called Nullo...it is an internal digestive "freshener"! It helps!!!

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 guess the vomiting was the worse...but I learned pretty quickly how to get beyond that by limiting the foods which caused it. I did lose hair, but it has grown back nicely.

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

Nothing...I'm so happy nothing could have been bad about it!!! I truly think that if your attitude is good, the whole process, even the bad stuff, can be added to your "learning experience"!

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

Big ol scar...not pretty. But the alternative was worse.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not my friends....they are sincerely happy for me and pleased to see my transformation. The people who will/have treated me differently are not "close friends" and I would have expected it from them.