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

I found out from a friend at first and then I saw the video of Carnie Wilson. I was at first a little skeptical but it seemed that every time I turned around I heard of someone else losing 100 lbs after having the surgery.

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

Absolutely no problem. Took about 4 weeks to get approval from the 1st letter sent by my Dr.

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

I was scared of course, I will be the one that can't possibly have the surgery, but I was wrong. My doctor explained the surgery completely and told me of the risks and what to expect and not expect. He made me feel completely confident.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I made the decision I wanted to live a longer healthier life without the limitations I had being obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor more or less decided for me. It was the procedure he felt most benefited me.

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?

My geatest fear was not waking up from the surgery. I am terrified of being put to sleep. I had a bad experience from a previous surgery. The only thing I can say is it is well worth the risk. I would rather die trying than to die drowning in fat.

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?

They were a little scared and leary at first, but when they realized how much this meant to me, they accepted my decision and supported me. I don't know what I would have done without my daughter Heather's help after the complications with the surgery. She is truly an angel and I love her dearly.

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, considering the complications I had, was not so bad. Most of the nurses were caring and considerate. I had to remain in the hospital for 12 days, due to a blockage left in my intestine and a fever. The things I brought with me was the normal things you would bring on an overnight stay. The gowns were a waste of time to pack, I only wore hospital gowns because they are easier to get on and off and also easy access.

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

My Dr. left a kink in my intestine. This resulted in an additional surgery after 5 days. I also developed a bacterial infection in the central line in my neck and fluid in my lungs. All of which made me a very sick person!! Once all the problems had been identified, I got the treatment I needed but it was a slow process getting my energy back. It took a couple of weeks after I was released to feel like getting out of bed!

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 terrified and excited at the same time. I just kept telling my-self everything was going to be all right and the was the first step to my new life.

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

The first few weeks are the hardest. It is a learning process in the beginning. You learn by trial and error what you can eat and what you can't tolerate. There was more than once when I asked myself "what have I done!" But after the first couple of months I felt like my old self, even better!

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

I had the surgery in the same town I live in.

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.

I was eating soft foods immediately and only had a problem with milk. I have only had a couple of dumping episodes, thank God! Now I can eat practically anything I want, just not a large quantity, even though I can eat more than at first.

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

I don't participate in any support groups other than this website. I have always been an independent person since I lost my parents at an early age, I feel perfectly satisfied with all the questions I have being answered here.

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

My scar is approximately 8 inches long from the bottom of my breastbone to just above my bellybutton. I knew that having this surgery open would do that, but I still wish I could have done it laproscopically.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My first plateau occured at about 3 wks after I was released from the hospital. It lasted for 2 weeks and then I lost 3 lbs in one day! I am still experiencing these plateaus every couple of weeks. I won't lose anything and then I will. I am 12 weeks post-op and am down 53 lbs. that averages about 5lbs a week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. I get comments from people telling me I look good, but I haven't lost enough yet to make that much of a noticable difference.