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

I guess the first time i really heard about it was when Carnie Wilson had it performed on the internet.

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

My insurance company is Kasier and I had to do all of the legwork myself. After finding out what appointments i had to make (nutritionist, psychiatrist, endocronologist, surgeon) the peices finally fell into place.

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

The initial visit Dr. Anez explained the surgery, and answered all my questions. I recommend doing as much research as possible, and writing down any questions you have for the surgeon, and make sure you get the answers you need.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After much thought and research, I decided this surgery was my last hope. I need to lose this weight in order to live long and be here for my children!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had what my surgeon performs.

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 had normal fears as i'm sure all people do before any surgery. My advice is to look ahead at how much better your life will be AFTER surgery. Think about the good!!

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?

My family and friends are fabulous. They have been nothing but positive both before and after surgery!

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

I didn't tell my supervisor until i was sure the surgery was a go. When i told her, she was very happy for me. I am only 1 week post-op and plan to be out for 3 to 4 weeks.

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

Great! The nurses were very nice and the pain was not too bad.

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

No

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

The only problem i had at home was not be able to sleep in my bed. I had to sleep in a recliner or on the couch sitting up. It took about 6 weeks before i was able to get back in bed and then i bought a body pillow and rested my belly on it.

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

Not far at all. only about 10 miles

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.

Sweets are still a no-no and it's been almost 7 months. I ate only "soft" foods for about the first 3 months. At 7 months i'm able to eat more "solid" foods, but anything high in fat upsets my stomach, so i avoid them. I also avoid sweets as much as possible. Sometimes i'll eat a small peice of candy, but i still stick to the rule "no more than 5 grams of sugar per serving" as advised by my nutritionist.

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

I started walking right away after surgery, adding a little more each day. I'm now biking with my husband and children at least twice a week, and i continue to walk as much as possible.

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

I take Viactiv Calcium daily, B12 every other day, children's chewable vitamin twice daily and iron once daily

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 vomiting, usually when i eat something too "solid" like chicken breast. I have had moderate hair loss, although it's not really noticeable, i just see more hair in the sink, tub, etc. I used to have sleep apnea and do not anymore, and i sleep really well.

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

Nothing, I would do it again in a heartbeat!

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

I don't have a support group except for this web site.

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

The scar is about 12 inches long and not too bad looking. I don't wear a bikini so i'm not to concerned with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm 7 months post-op now and i'm still losing 2-3 pounds per week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't feel as if i'm being treated differently, but everyone notices the weight loss. It's great!