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

Television. And by the name of a gentleman here in my hometown. THANKS,ERIC AND YOUR BETTER HALF-MARY.

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

NEVER GIVE UP!

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

BE PREPARED! Take a list of questions with you and don't be afraid to ask ANYTHING. Dr. Roy Berkowitz of BTC at Belvidere is open, honest and has a sense of humor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I needed to change my lifestyle or I would die-and probably ALONE since I was chasing everyone away. I needed a "tool" to help me see some results quick.

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?

After waking up from surgery, I told my mom that I was going to die. Not from pain, but from being afraid.Of course, I didn't. I am so glad that my guardian angels Eric and Mary gave me the confidence.

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 mom and friends have been very supportive. Mom knew without it I would have died. Everyone has been wonderful since surgery. The compliments just keep coming.

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

I think in the beginning they were skeptical. But it's been 6.5 months and I have lost 106 pounds. So, hopefully they understand now why I had to do this. I was off work for 6 weeks, but that is because I am a paramedic and have to lift people.

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

THe first time I saw the hospital I was scared to death. It was so small. But like the old saying goes, Dynamite comes in small packages. Everyone was very professional and non-judgemental. I was in the hospital for 3.5 days. Bring a comfortable, non-slip pair of slippers-as you need to walk,walk, walk.

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

Meats hurt initially. Breads too. So I still try to stay away from them.

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 just wanted to get it done yesterday. All of the post-ops on the internet were wonderful. I visited with alot of friends.

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

I was very depressed. I lost my uncle who was like a father to me. My husband wanted a divorce 18 hours after I got home from surgery. I surrounded myself with close, supportive friends that my controlling husband had kept me from.

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

Traveled @ 4.0 hours. No effect on my aftercare.

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.

Initially the smell of meat cooking made me sick to my stomach. Breads hurt. When I did try to choke down hamburger or pork or chicken hurt so I just quit trying for awile. My cholesterol has went from 220+ down to 157 so I just want to stay away from meats. I can eat about 1 piece of bread at a time now. I am 6.5 months post-op now. I can easily eat breads now. I am still staying away from meats, though. I eat a very small amount of burger in spaghetti sauce once in awhile. I have found that I cannot drink sodas or my weight plateaus badly-like for weeks. So I have dropped soda from my diet again. Chocolate nauseates me.

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

6.5 months: I can actually run up stairs now without getting out of breath.

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

I have recently started taking Centrum vits. I take folic acid to help with my hair loss.

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 still have to be careful about not eating over a cup of food at one setting. If I do, I vomit. I get nauseated after eating concentrated sweets. I have been starting to lose my hair the past month. And the texture has gotten limp and dry. So I have had to go to more expensive hair products. (Thanks, Adam, for the nice birthday gifts!)

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

I can't even try to dig up a complaint! It's been worth every inch-or should I say pound!

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

My scar doesn't bother me at all. Yes, it is what I expected. It's fading pretty well. It is probably longer than most because I didn't use my binder very long. But people only see it if I want them to. I actually am kind of proud of it. Because I know that I am part of a very lucky group of post-ops that have all been given their lives back.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

5 week plateau-can't drink soda pop. I hit a plateau every time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People treat me very differently now. Overall, people are very FAT PREJUDICED. I don't see the disapproving looks in their eyes now when I meet them on the streets and in the stores.