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

I've heard about "stomach stapling" for years and always assumed it was cosmetic surgery so I didn't even bother looking into it, because my insurance didn't cover that. The most important piece of information in the Carnie Wilson issue of People Magazine was "Covered by most insurance companies". That's what got the ball rolling for me. I called the insurance company right away. WLS was actually covered. THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF that's for sure!!

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

It was a matter of ONE PHONE CALL. I called Anthem BCBS and they said they covered it. My primary care physician wrote a letter with her referral and it was approved immediately.

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

He was WONDERFUL. He went over my history, the procedure itself, what my expectations were, answered my questions, and spent a lot of time going over the after care I would need for this surgery to be the most successful. My advice is to be as honest as possible and remember no question is a stupid question.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The second I read Carnie's story in People Magazine I knew this surgery was for me. I immediately went on the internet and obtained all the information I could about it, and the more I read the more I wanted it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to go with the "open" procedure because my surgeon had more experience with that type, and I didn't qualify for the lap. My BMI at the time was 50, and he said the lap was for people with BMIs of around 40. I wanted to go with the procedure he had more experience with regardless.

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 listened to all the risks, the mortality rate (which was less than 1%) all the potential complications and side effects. I also listened to all the good points of having the surgery. I am 32 years old, in good health other than my weight my problem, and I just felt confident that I was strong enough to have a successful surgery. I guess I would advise people having fears to discuss these fears with the surgeon very honestly and he/she will tell you what you really need to worry about.

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 showed Carnie Wilson's article to my fiance. I told him to read it and when he was done I simply said "I got approval from the insurance company and I'm having it done". He just looked at me and said "No you're not". I brought him to all the websites I had read and he read about all the good/bad points about the surgery. The more he read the better he felt, and he has been wonderful and very supportive ever sense. Friends and family have been very supportive also. There are 5 or 6 people waiting to see how I do with this surgery and they are considering having it done as well. Four of those people have had it done since my surgery. They look and feel fantastic!

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

My co-workers/boss was VERY supportive. I expect to be out of work for about 6 weeks. They have assured me not to come back to early and then have to leave again, they want me to follow doctor's orders and come back to work when I'm completely ready. They've been great.

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

I packed EVERYTHING ~ cd players, books, makeup, pictures ~ everything stayed right in the bag. My intentions were good, but the reality was, I didn't care how I looked, I was in no mood for music and my attention span wasn't up to reading. I did look at my pictures quite a bit though. My advice is to just pack the basics. I stayed in the hospital 3 days after surgery. Dartmouth-Hitchcock is a wonderful facility and the staff was WONDERFUL.

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

Absolutely 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 met with my surgeon on May 9th and we scheduled the surgery during that visit for June 6th. I was VERY excited about it. I delt with my anxiety by taking a week off and went to DisneyWorld, which was a blast, and just kept busy until the "BIG DAY". When I became nervous I just talked to my fiance, Rick, about my feelings. He's a great support system.

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

I am 3 wks post-op now. When I first got home I was EXHAUSTED and needed my pain medication every 4 hours. The first few days was keeping track of taking the meds on time. Very little appetite, but took my vitamins. As the days went by I got stronger, I started walking everyday, resting as needed. There were periods when I felt "useless" because Rick was doing EVERYTHING around the house, all the cooking and cleaning, I just felt bad because he did all these things, including taking care of me above and beyond working all day.

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

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is a 2-1/2 hour commute from where I live. It's the only facility in New Hampshire that does this surgery so it's worth the trip. As for aftercare appointments I just have someone drive me ~~thanks mom :0)

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.

Well, I'm 3 wks post-op right now. I'm eating tomato soup, jello, pudding, and baby food. I also enjoy sugar free fudgicles here and there when it's really hot out. I have followed doctor's orders and eaten all sugar-free and low-fat foods. I knew I would be making lifelong eating habit adjustments before I had this surgery and I'm totally committed to these changes.

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

I walk every day, a couple miles each time. It makes me feel better to get up and get moving. I have gradually taken on some household duties, such as washing the dishes and I've been to the grocery store a few times (not alone).

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

Bugs Bunny Sugar Free Chewables, Citracel, and B12. I also take prenatal vitamins because they are the best vitamins a woman can take.

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?

The only problem I've had since surgery is waking up during the night feeling very "stiff", but I just changed my position and was fine. I have had no hair loss (it has actually gotten about an inch longer to my surprise), no dumping because I have been SO CAREFUL as to what I eat.

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

I have needlephobia, so the worst part was the IV's being put in, and even that wasn't terrible, since they numbed my hand first :0) I guess it was the anxiety I experienced right before surgery while they were "prepping" me. I was crying and scared, but they gave me a valium to relax me.

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

My fiance and family have been my support system. I also have several friends who call just about everyday to make sure I'm alright and ask if I need anything. This has been very helpful.

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

VERY LONG..... The open procedure has left me with an incision that's about 13 inches long. External staples were removed June 15th and I was told my incision looked great. I was told what to expect with regards to the incision, and it has been accurate. I was also told I could put vitamin E on it, but haven't done that yet.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People ask me how I'm feeling all the time, if I'm tired, if I'd like to sit down, they have already noticed my weight loss. Thirty pounds in 3 weeks is something I'm proud of.