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

When Carnie Wilson had hers, it got me thinking about it. I read her book, and thought, "No way would I ever do that to myself. I love food too much, and it sounds way too dangerous". Then I gained about 20 pounds, and realized that food wasn't everything.

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

My initial insurance comapany wanted a 6 month DR supervised diet. I began to do that, when my husband's company was sold, and he got new insurance. They approved me within a week of receiving the paperwork. I would suggest you getting every piece of medical history you can and then submit. I had my medical records for the past 10 years, showing that I was obese.

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

I first met him at his seminar. He went over everything in great detail, and I asked a ton of questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was my last chance at losing and keeping off a significant amount of weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the one that produced the most weight loss, which is RNY. My surgeon only performs this "open", and I had no problem with that. I'd had major surgery before, so I knew what to expect.

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 biggest fear was that a blood clot would form. I was terrified of that. I relayed this to my surgeon, and anyone who would listen. They all assured me that every step would be taken to prevent this. I received Heparin shots in my abdomen during my entire hospital stay. And when they told me to get up and walk...........I GOT UP AND WALKED!!!!! I was never afraid of dying on the table, that thought never entered my mind. I had complete confidence in my surgeon.........I think that is very important. Know that your life is in his hands, and if you don't completely trust him, then you should find someone that you do.

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?

All of my family was very supportive. They also thought that this was my last chance of losing all of this weight. My husband, of course, was worried, but he wanted me to be happy, and knew that I wouldn't be if I didn't lose weight. And afterwards, they were all there to walk with me, clean my house, feed my family, and offer the most encouraging words. Even my co-workers were there for me. Everyone knew how much I wanted this. And I wanted it BAD!!!

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

My supervisor was my biggest cheerleader!!!!!!!!!! She was thrilled at my decision, and pushed me to go through with it. I was only out of work for 3 weeks. I have a desk job.

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

My stay was OK. I don't think they handled my pain management very well. But everyone was nice, and I certainly did not feel that I was treated poorly 'cuz I was the fat lady having gastric bypass. I was in the hospital 4 days. I brough some chapstick, it felt really good on my dry lips. And house shoes, the hospital floors are cold, and my own pjs. It felt really good to finally get out of that hospital gown.

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

NONE!!!

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 just so relieved. I was on cloud nine. I thought it would go by slow, but it didn't. My date was here before I knew it.

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

I walked, and walked and walked and walked. Slept when I needed too, although I never really felt completely wiped out. Listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs.

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

Only 20 minutes

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.

For the first week, it was liquids only. Then I moved onto soft foods, cream of wheat, light yogurt, cottage cheese. I never got hungry, but I did eat 3 times a day. My intake was small, and still is. I actually dumped on cream of chicken soup.......didn't buy the low fat version. So always buy the low fat version of everything. Now, at almost 3 weeks post-op, I'm eating some mashed potatoes, tuna/chicken salad, refried beans, soft scrambled eggs, and cheese.

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

I have walked so much that I really feel great. At 3 weeks post-op, I'm about to join a gym for women. I haven't really noticed a decline in my energy.

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

I take a multi-vitamin, calcium supplement, and B12 also.

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've only dumped once, hope that never happens again. Everything I have eaten has stayed down, and I've not had a problem with nausia or vomiting.

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

The pain in the hospital. It was MUCH worse than my c-section pain. MUCH WORSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I should have been more persistent in asking for medication that worked, because the morphine did not.

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

My surgeon has a support group that I attend. It's nice to get together with everyone and talk. Plus I belong to some on-line groups as well.

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

It's thin, much BETTER than I expected. My surgeon did a great job. It's about 6 inches long.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

just really watching everything that I put in my mouth.