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

I found out by seeing the success of Carnie Wilson, researching her story, and then speaking with my very supportive primary care physician. HEr support was invaluable and she located an AWESOME program for WLS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Sleep Apnea so severe that the sleep technician testing me for a CPAP mask woke me up because my heart almost stopped during testing. That, and almost crashing my car in to the retaining wall on the long island expressway cause I fell asleep while driving to work.

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?

At first, family was reluctant and not too supportive, but unbelievably (and to their credit) they did their own research and discovered the benefits that I would obtain by having this surgery, and actually spoke to persons who had had the surgery and were succesfull.. Thank god for the MSNBC special---even my father watched that one!!!

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

Employer was happy and supportive. They want me back at work---and want me to live (maybe they were afraid of my dying at work ha ha)

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

I was in the best hospital in the country. NYC-Columbia Presbyterian Cornell. Their reputation is rightfully deserved. I will now only use this hospital and recommend it to family as the level of care their was ASTOUNDING. My surgeon, Dr. Eva Fischer is incredible. She knows her stuff, and she communicates fabulously. She even gave me a hug, right before I sat on the operating table. The nurses were incredible. Even the people who ferried me back and forth to X-Ray were awesome. They made me feel like it was their privilege to bring me around the hospital.

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

No complications whatsoever. A low grade fever for 2 days. Went away once i was ambulatory

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 must be honest. When the secretary phoned to say that i was pre-approved and that the surgery was going to take place on the date, i freaked out. I was extremely anxious just to get it over with, yet I was dreading the day. I tried to eat everything I could....but found i had no appetite.... I relied on my friends from my support group to get through the rough times. I also was on this website constantly, looking at before and after pictures!!!!!

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

This period was strange. You're glad to behome, but apprehensive. You almost Miss the hospital, strange as though it may seem. Yet, you're afraid to do much. I found it vital to have someone stay with me for the first 3 days. After that, i was fine. The major hassle was BOREDOM> You can only watch so much tv. I would advise tho, that one purchase all important supplies BEFORE surgery.....It's really important to have everything on hand.

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

Surgery was in Manhattan, I live in Brooklyn a subway ride away.

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.

Basically, it's not the type of food for me (except for Coffee:( ) Quantity is difficult to judge and you can't be 100% certain if you've eaten too much. I found the limitation on how much one could physically drink very upsetting. I love water, and can now only drink sips at a time. There is still a VERY STRONG urge to guzzle. That just is not possible . I am too afraid to try sugar, so I can't tell you if I dump...I don't want to find out!!

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

I was out of bed, the day of surgery. Able to climb 3 flights of stairs 3 days postop. The first week I only walked a little, but 2 weeks post I'm able to do close to a mile without a problem.

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

Flinstones, calcium. Standard procedrual stuff

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 didn't have much nausea, and no vomiting. The diarrhea was annoying, but soon resolved once I added more solid food to my diet. I shave my head so hair loss is better!!! ha ha.. Seriously, I would say that the only side effect I find daunting is the dry mouth....

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

Normal Surgical Fears---Post operative discomfort and GASSSSSSSSS... but that gets better, trust me!!!

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

I found a wonderful group of people on the internet, who meet locally. They have given me so much in support and information , I only hope to be able to be as helpful to people who ask me questions!!!. My family is #1.....My mom and dad were always with me, as were my sis bro, my lover and his sister. This would be difficult to do without someone around. Difficult, but not impossible. They were the non-fat-nonsugar icing on the dietitc Cake

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

MY scar is gorgeous. My surgeon must be a plastic surgeon on the side. it is hairline, even 3 weeks out. It is quite long, though, longer than I thought. I plan on telling people it's a shrapnel wound i got in the war.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My family is a little more protective, but that's not too abnormal for them!!!! I did get a couple stares in the street that's pretty welcome...... (my weight loss is getting apparent!!!!!)