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

Watching Carnie Wilson on a talk show, she changed my life. I was scared at first but after doing the research I knew it was the right decision for me.

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

LIV-LITE did all the paperwork for me they were wonderful. No hassles at all.

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

The surgeon was very informative and made me feel confident. In this hospital there are two surgeons who perform all surgeries together so I felt reassured. Ask all the questions you're not sure of and get referrals. Drs. Stevens and Bollman are the best!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

To live a better life!!!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Stevens and Bollman only perform the open RNY they want to be able to see everything with no surprises! They check for signs of cancer and any other abnormalities.

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 was scared to death, but I am like that with all surgeries. I prayed, my family prayed and my friends prayed. The power of prayer keeps you alive and healthy.

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?

Everyone was very supportive. Even the ones that had doubts still supported me in my decision. Not everyone is going to agree with such drastic measures but it is not for everyone. It has to be your decision and this was mine and I am glad I did.

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

Everyone at work were extremely supportive. I had plenty of sick leave on the books and people to cover me while I am out. I am still not back to work but will be in a few weeks or so. I have not lied to anyone I have been honest with whoever asks and I'm very proud of my decision.

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

I was Junction City Hospital for 6 days and they were fantastic. They cater to you and keep the pain at a low level. You won't need much but slippers and a robe. Everyone made fun of me because I brought my make-up and they were right. I didn't use it 'til the day I left. HEEHEE! I did bring my hairdryer and curling iron and used it on the 3rd day. So I wasn't totally nerded out:):)

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

No complications at all!!!! However,I am latex allergic so they had to use a plastic tube that is much larger and it was extremely painful. It hurt more than the incision. I had to have it in for 2 weeks post op so by the end of the 2 weeks I was ready to have it removed!

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 got along fairly well still unable to sleep with my husband. I got up 2-3 times per night with leg cramps and dry mouth and I don't want to disturb him.

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

Do not try to overdo anything let everyone cater to you. WALK, WALK, WALK it helps the healing process. Drink lots of water and fluids.

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

2hr drive I just left early that is all. I have my local personal Dr. and I saw him as needed, (instead of driving 2 hours)if it was something minor.

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.

NO SUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!It has made me vomit and have diarrhea at the same time. Not a pretty feeling! Milk doesn't go very well but in time I should be able to drink some. Broccoli gives gas. I eat a lot of SF popsicles they are really good and you get in fluids too. I also drink SF tea with Equal.

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

Low just walk as much as you can.

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

Flintstones multi-vitamin twice a day. Liquid potassium 1 1/2 tsp daily

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?

Diarrhea everyday

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

The platueau after only 5 weeks I didn't expect it so soon. I felt like I had the surgry to lose only 27 lbs but everyone said it happens to all so I believed them and waited it out.

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

There are support meetings every month and I have kept in contact with several other wls patients. I also chat on the obesity.com chat line they are great.

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

The vertical scar is long, about 18". It is healing well and doesn't look too bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

5 weeks-27 lbs

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not yet. People are very excited for me.