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

My husband and I first heard about it on 20/20. I knew after watching it that was what I was going to pursue. It took about 8 months from my intial research to my surgery date.

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

My husband is in the military so we really had no problems. As long as my primary physician gave me the referall I was ok to proceed. I was pretty lucky.

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

It was GREAT!! I told my husband, "if you ever want your ego boosted, go to a "fat" Surgeon." He made me feel comfortable and lifted my self esteem. You have to go in with a positive attitude and know they are there to help you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being overweight and my health was concerning me. I wanted to be around for my daughter and husband.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I figured if I was going under, why not go for the full operation. I also didn't want to be restricted in any way.

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 was so excited I didn't have any fears. I beleive things happen for a reason and if I was meant to come out of it then so be it, if not then I was ok with that too.

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 is WONDERFUL!! There was never a question of weather I should or shouldn't do it, we all knew it was the best for my health in the long run. When I had my complication my whole family came and stayed with me for two weeks. I am lucky to have such a loving and supportive family.

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

My employer was great too!! Even when I went back into the hospital I tried resigning my position and my boss wouldn't except it. He told me too take as long as I needed and they would cover my position. I was out of work for a little over a month.

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

The hospital staff at USC Medical Center were great!! The most important things to bring are shampoo, tooth brush/paste and your own under arm products, they gave me a roll-on, I haven't used one of those in years!! :)

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

Yes, I had a stomach leak five days post. I ended up back in the hospital for nine days. It wasn't easy, I went through a lot and couldn't eat anything by mouth for three weeks.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Initial I felt good until I had a complication. I wouldn't of gotten through any of it without my family.

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

My first week was slow, you really need to take it easy. After my second stay in the hospital and being released I did a lot of resting the first two weeks, but that was becuase of my complication. I am now in my 5th week and feeling better, I know it's going to take time.

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

The hospital was 100 miles from my home. It didn't effect 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.

I am only in my 5th week post-op, and that is with three weeks of no eating by mouth because of complications. So I am new at the eating thing.

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

I am just now getting my strength back and able to do walking again, but I had a complication.

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

I do protein shakes and a liquid multi vitamin.

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 had a lot of vomiting and very lose stool, but again that was because of my complication.

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

The leak I got in my stomach. Even after my complication I would do it all over again because I know now I am getting better and it will be good for me in the future.

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

None at the moment, I have been looking for support groups online.

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

It's from my breast bone to my belly button. Yes, it's what I expected, can't wait to get into a two piece next summer.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No