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

As alot of people, Carney Wilson's story was well publisized. That's when I started looking into the possibilities.

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

Find a doctor that other people have used to get this surgery approved. It is crucial to have a doctor that is willing to put the time and effort into it!

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

He was great! Made me feel like I was going to have a big oppurtunity to change my life forever.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was very depressed and tired of living like that!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Discussed it with Dr. Gaskin and other patients that had gone through the surgery.

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 very afraid of dying on the operating table for some reason, but ultimately I decided that my quality of life was so bad that this was a chance I was willing to take!

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?

I had alot of support from my friends and family.

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

I tried to go back after 2 weeks, I thought I was "tough enough" to handle it. But I had to take off another 2 weeks and I had an office job. Just not being able to lie down when I needed to. Plus I constantly felt like I had to throw-up but couldn't, it was due to the stress of going back too early. Once at home, I was fine.

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

Bring your own pillows from home, comfort is the key, this is a very painful surgery. Anything that will comfort you will be appreciated!

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

None, follow the directions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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 was in so much pain when I first came home from the hospital it took a toal on me mentally, I found myself thinking, "I can't believe you done this because of what other people think of you". "What have I done to myself." But within a few days I was much better and in 2 weeks I was doing very well.

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

Emotional roller coaster, try not to be alone. Too much thinking time is not good!!!!

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

15 min.

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.

Could drink Carnation instant breakfast drinks, broth, liquids. If you try going to semi-solids too fast, you will regret it.

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

Rested alot for 4-5 days, 1 week later I was walking around normal, climbing stairs, staples out in 1 week.

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

I take alot of vitamins, I find it really helps me feel healthier and stronger, I take a multi-vitamin, calcium, iron, and b-12.

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 did have some hair loss, I found that taking my vitamins really helped that, when I slacked off on them I could tell it got worse!

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

The first couple days after the surgery were very painful.

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

I have been offered a support group, but unfortunately with my job and home responsibilities I have been unable to attend.

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

Scar is ugly, I don't care! I am not planning on posing in the swim suit issue of any magazine!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After about a year you have to work alot harder to continue to lose the weight, working out is key!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely!