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

Who hasn't heard of Carnie Wilson??? My first thought was that I would never go as far as to have surgery and that I wouldn't let myself get so large as to have to weigh that option.

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

Getting the correct paperwork to submit to the insurance company was the most frustrating task. Getting the approval once you the papers was a breeze. Advice? If it's something you really want and/or really need, don't let anything stop you. Keep trying and keep your faith, especially in your self.

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

My first visit was great. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions and if there are any answers you need, have those questions written down so that you can get the answers you need. The more time you can spend with that surgeon on that first visit, the better. This will be the visit when you determine if the procedure, and the surgeon, are right for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My climbing weight and my co-morbidities were the final factors that helped me decide on WLS.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spoke to several people and the surgeon and came to that decision using that information.

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?

Who doesn't have a lot fears when it comes to major surgery? The voice in the back of your head is always asking you if you're sure you're doing the right thing. Everybody is different. You just have to take care of yourself the best ways you can prior to surgery and pray that nothing bad happens. I had lesser problems than a friend who weighed less than I did going in. Go figure!

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 an incredible support team, though they're were a couple of friends who questioned my sanity. :)

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

N/A

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

My stay in the hospital was just a little more than 24 hrs. The staff was great. I had no problems. Bring a pillow.

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 was elated and scared out of my mind at the same time. I just kept praying.

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

I was bloated from surgery and didn't even feel like drinking water. I knew it was very important though and got in as much as I could. I also slept in the recliner for the first month because it was just too uncomfortable laying down.

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

My surgeon's office and the hospital where my surgery was performed are both about 50 miles from residence which is not a very long drive.

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 carbs! No sweets! No red meats! Water! Water! Water!

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

It progressed daily and is still progressing.

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

multi-vitamins; calcium supplements; b12; iron

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 have had some nausea when I have tried red meats so I tend to avoid them. My biggest problem is hair loss.

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

Getting to a position where I had to make that decision.

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

I have friends who have had the surgery and the hospital where I had the surgery has support group meetins. This is very import before, as well as, after.

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

I have 6 very small scars. Could be worse but I'll settle for scars over diabetes and sleep apnea anyday.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateaus yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really cause right now (3 months post op), I'm still pretty large.