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

God love Carnie Wilson and the cover of People Magazine; Thank you Roseanne Whaterver-your-last-name-is-now with the Fobi pouch.

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

I didn't have a lot of trouble with the insurance people. I submitted to tests and other things more because my surgeon required it than because my insurance did. I was approved after my first consult with a surgeon.

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

I did not like my first surgeon, so I changed to a new one. I have few complaints, other than that the office is so busy the doctor and the staff often have to be reminded of who I am and what my situation is. I came prepared to meet both surgeons with a list of questions, some specific to me, and others about long term prospects.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I couldn't go for a walk with my dog or play outside with my daughter. When asthma kept me from doing anything other than sitting on my butt at home, on the couch.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon does a specific procedure, very distal, with the removal of the excess stomach, as opposed to stapling/suturing it off. I wanted my surgery to be a permanent thing.

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 feared not living through it, or living through it to die of a complication. I have a young child to consider, and I felt it was important for me to be there for her as she grew up. In the end, the risk of the surgery vs. the risks of poor health throughout her life and having her grow up with momma "sick" all the time was a risk I was willing to take.

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 husband agreed with the surgery for me. My daughter did not want me to have it, but is thrilled with the results so far. My mother was skeptical, and to some degree still is. My inlaws don't know I have had it yet, we are saving it for a surprise when they come to visit. Most of my friends were very supportive, and continue to be backing me up and cheering me on.

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

My boss is the one who mentioned the surgeon to me. He's been terrific at dealing with all the "employer" related issues, and I couldn't ask for a better boss. I was only off work for two weeks, but I have a job where I am sitting most of the day with little lifting involved. It was just as easy for me to be sitting at work as it was for me to be sitting at home.

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

I hated the hospital. Because I am allergic to both latex and iodine, being in a place like a hospital where latex gloves are expected and iodine/betadine is necessary is a frightening prospect. I got three rashes despite the hospital postings that nothing latex get near me. I was in for 4 days. Bring a robe or a cover of some kind. Gowns flapping in the wind to use the bathroom are not pretty. Shampoo and a decent soap, maybe some skin moisturizer after the 2nd day of dry air.

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

NO complications until two weeks post op when I got a small bowel obstruction. I went right away to the ER, and was admitted for two days for observation. Everything worked itself out, and I went back to "normal".

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 got tired a lot, trying to get things in that I wanted to do in case I died. It was worth it though. I had some terrific time with my husband and daughter, and when I felt anxious, I had someone to talk to about it who was with me either way.

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

I slept all the time the first few days. And mostly because my body was on "hospital" schedule. Daytime tv is awful, so I recommend trying to read. If it's too much, you fall back to sleep. If it isn't, you aren't rotting your brain with mindlessness. Expect the unexpected. There is nothing uniformly the same for anyone in this period, that's what I learned.

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

I travel 45 miles each way. It makes my follow up appointments a bear because no matter what time the appointment is, there's traffic to fight.

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 eat any and everything. My philosphy is that I am living this life to the fullest, no matter what. I embrace the toilet behavior changes... because what else can I do?

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

Good, to better to right on schedule. I am up and around and doing all I can at this point, no changes to my personal habits at all.

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

I am taking children's chewables 2x per day

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 hate the hair loss. It's been the worst, because I have a nice head of full, red hair, and it is my joy. I cope, but I hate that feeling of hair in my hands while I'm washing it.

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

All the pre op tests. Major pain in the you know where. Not being comfortable enough to tell my family because I feared the lack of support and judgemental commentary bound to come my way. They already reacted badly to breast reduction surgery...this would have been over the top for them.

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

I have an online support group and a group meeting. I go to the meetings rarely because of distance, but I check in with the online at least once a week.

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

It's getting better. The part nearest my navel is the widest, and even it is starting to fade.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I stayed at 196 for about three weeks. Then had another drop. I am sure I've even gained some and lsot it again before I got on the scale. I don't really care. Each day lighter is a gift, and I am enjoying unwrapping them as they come.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! Men flirt with me, women are meaner to me because I am suddenly more attractive... it's strange.