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

I first found out about bariatric surgery from Carnie Wilson's publicity to have the surgery, having the surgery and the results it brought into her life. My initial impressions were: Wow! and I wondered if I could handle something like only eating such small meals etc;.

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

My first experience with getting insurance approval was terrible. I attempted through my husband's insurance co. They continuously tried to lose the papers, not know anything about the request etc.; For 8 months I went through this. Then, I got a job that had excellent insurance, I was approved within days of the request, and the surgery was scheduled within two or three months. I suggest you be prepared, and assertive. Keep records of every contact you have with insurance, take down names of persons' you converse with. Date and time everything-----and let them know you're doing this.

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

Well, my first visit was will a surgeon I didn't end up having the surgery with. This surgeon, I found difficult to communicate with, and he didn't seem concerned about my life. I felt like I'm just another number. The surgeon who ended up doing the surgery (Dr. Daniel Smith) was very kind, considerate and concerned about me! He exhibited confidence in his craft---I felt safe going under his knife.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have this surgery because I couldn't lose the weight on my own, it just didn't stay off! I was so tired of sitting on the couch watching others living life; I wanted life too.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the least invasive----so I chose Lap-rny. My surgeon said he would perform, though he wasn't making any promises because I was just at the top weight as to where he would rather go 'open'. But, he sucessfully performed it Lap. I did recover rather fast from the Lap procedure, but approximately one month and eight days after the surgery, I ended up back in emergency surgery for two adhesional blockages in my small intestine. This time the surgery was performed 'open'; The healing time and pain was much worse. But, I feel so much better.

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've come to learn that "time and unforseen occurances befall us all." You can die just driving to the local grocery store. I had to take this chance at life. Obesity was slowing killing me-----a lot like an alcoholic.

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?

I've only shared my decision with my closest family members and few friends. They all supported my decision. After my surgeries, I received a lot of support, but I don't believe most understand that this is major surgery, and recovery time lasts months, not weeks. I could have used more time off of work, and more breaks from my four year daughter.

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

I did not tell my employer/supervisor. Just said I needed life-saving surgery and the time I would need off. I figured it really was none of their business.

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

My stay in the hospital was fabulous(considering). The nurses in the ICU were wonderful. I left there feeling well cared for and confident that I would be alright. My second stay (for emergency surgery---two adhesional obstructions 'open'), which was much more painful and difficult recovery, I was in the 'regular' part of the hospital. I found the care not that great, and if my husband hadn't been there to care for me the first four days out of surgery---I can't imagine how I would have survived it.

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

i DID NOT SUFFER ANY COMPLICATIONS FROM THE SURGERY. I DID HAVE A FEVER THAT LASTED THREE DAYS. One month and eight days after surgery I ended up back in surgery (open) for two adhesional obstructions in my small intestine. Very painful.

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

IN THE WEEKS AFTER I GOT MY SURGERY DATE I WAS VERY ANXIOUS. I COPED BY USING THE WEBSITE'S MESSAGE BOARD, TALKING ABOUT IT WITH MY HUSBAND AND EATING.

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

My first few weeks home involved some minor pain. The most difficulty I experienced (until obstructions) were learning new eating habits. It was so hard not being able to eat! I also learned that patience is a virtue. This is major surgery, and you need several months recovery time----if you can------TAKE IT!

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

I traveled about 40 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.

I started out with sugar free jellos, fat free puddings, broth and cream soups. Then I added sugar free popcisles. Then came tuna fish and saltine crackers, mock crab meat and cheese---especially cheese sticks. After my second emergency surgery I had to start all over, but everything was much less painful, and eventually I could tolerate so much more food then after the original surgery. Right now, at three months post-op I seem to eat just about anything-----just eat much slower, my meal-time needs to be a relaxed event---and I really try to taste the food and enjoy it---sense I don't get to eat a lot of it.

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

My activity level in the days and weeks after my surgery was low. I was able to get my most basic needs met, but I was extremely tired, sore and hungry.

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

Currently, at three months post-op I take a multi-vitimin for women and one flintstones complete. I also daily take B-12 sublingual and 1200-1500 mg of calium daily. I've tried to drink the protein drinks and eat the protein bars; They taste so nasty to me. I eat a lot of cheese, drink a lot of milk and meat is a mainstay in my diet. I'm hoping I get the protein that I need from that.

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?

My side effects have not been too bad when compared with others. I've only vomited a few times (always my fault). Dumping, has only occured when I've eaten things I should stay away from (candy--sugary foods). My hair loss has just started----and believe me-----it's really falling out! What can I do to cope with it? I guess just accept it and hope it don't all fall out!

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

The worst part was recovery and not realizing you wouldn't wake up from the surgery 130 lbs! The other worst part was complications (emergency surgery for two adhesional obstructions in the small intestine). Learning new eating habits was very DIFFICULT!

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

THE HOSPITAL WHERE I HAD THE SUGERY HAS A VOLUNTEER 2X'S PER MONTH SUPPORT GROUP.

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

I HAD LAP-RNY. MY SCARRING IS VERY MINIMAL; But, I had 'open' for emergency surgery one month/eight days later. My scar is bright pink, long, kinda wide and ugly. I know though, that it will fade. I consider it my battle scar for life.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I only weight myself at my monthly doctor visit; Thus far I haven't experienced a plateau. When I do, I will reconize that it's a sign to take some time to pay attention to my eating and exercising habits.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My family has been great. My husband is giving me attention I haven't received from him in years (our sex-life has greatly improved). My children really don't seem to notice---they treat me the same. I've noticed some individuals that I work with make sarcastic comments to me and always seem to be 'watching' me.