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

I read an artical about Carnie Wilson. And I thought that it was a little extreme for me. But the more weight I gained and the more I read about the wls I really wanted it. For me it was the only way. I have spent alot of money on diet pills and other things to lose weight only to gain the weight right back and more.

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

I had medicare so it was approved very quickly. I do not know about any other ins, plans. But I do know that DR. Watson's staff does there best to get their patients approved and they are great.

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

I liked my surgeon a great deal. He was very honest and up front about everything. He was very friendly and the whole staff was great. Ask questions, dont be shy. That is what they are there for. They do not care to answer you. And listen!!!!!!! Do everything they tell you to do.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had to lose the weight for myself and for my two children. I have two girls and I wanted them to know it is important to be healthy and I did not want them to be like me. I also did not want my girls to be ashamed of me. I was ashamed of myself. I am so glad I had the surgery and would do it again in a minute.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor told me the proceedure he most recommened and I went with that.

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 have had a lot of surgerys and every surgery for me had a complication. I had my kidney shut down,abcess's in my lower abdominal region,phemonia,blood infections you name it I had it. I also had a blood clot in my lung. So needless to say I was pretty worried about this surgery. Scared to death that I would die and my daughters would grow up with out me. But I believe my faith in Jesus got me through. I prayed alot and had a whole bunch of people praying for me. Just believe in GOD and he will get you through.

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?

They were worried about me because so much had happened in the past with surgery's. No I would not have communicated anything different. Very supportive .

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

I am disabled because of nerve damage to my hands. I am a stay at home mom now and love it. But if I did work outside the home I would say about 2 maybe 3 weeks before you could work again. Depending on the work you do.

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

It was not bad. I had very good nurses and everyone was extremly nice and very helpful. I was in the hospital from Dec. 16 ,2002 until Dec.19,2002. House shoes,robe and maybe some magazines or books. Shampoo,soap, deodarant ect...

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

I had no complications at all. I was very pleased with my surgeon. DR. Scott Watson.

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

Excited,scared not knowing what to expect. Praying it would work. I prayed alot and had a lot of support from family and friends.

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

My first weeks were not bad at all. I got right out and started walking and I think that helped with the soreness and also the gas. I sometimes would feel very sick if I smelled certain foods that my family was eating. People should just be patient and follow the doctor"s orders. It does get better.

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

My surgeon is 3 hours away from where I live. That is about 300 miles. It wasn't bad to travel back and fourth. I am still doing it as a matter of fact. But not to often.

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.

At first it was liquid diet,sugar free pudding and jello. Chicken or beef broth,cream of chicken. A lot of water,sugar free juice,coffee,tea. I stay away from high fatfoods,greasy.breaded,alfredo,sugar. I eat alot of salads,veg., brown rice and boiled or baked chicken, tuna,sugar free deserts such as puddings of jello. I eat whole wheat bread. Although I do not eat bread alot. I try to keep my protein high and my carbs low.

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

I walked alot and could feel my energy level getting better day by day. I know longer wanted just to sit and watch tv ,I actually felt like getting up and cleaning my house and walking. If my estrogen had not been messed up I believe I would have lost more weight by now. But I can not complain I think I have done a very good job.

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

I get a B-12 shot once a month,take two childrens chewable vitamins and tums with calcium.

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 have not had any side effects.

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

Having the drain tube in. But the worse was having it pulled out.

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

My husband was great and I had a lot of support from my two wonderful girls. I feel that it is very important to have some one who wants to help and doesnt put you down. It also helps that people around you love and support you. My church was also a huge support.

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

I have six small scars. Yes it is what I expected. Dr. Watson is so good about explaining in detail what will happen.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I feel like I am at a plateau now. I have lost 70+ pounds. I have not been able to get out and walk like I want to because my estrogen has been messed up recently. ( I had a total hystrectomy four years ago). I have been having horrible hot flashes and my energy level has not been to good. But I am starting to feel better so I will be walking again very soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No not really. My girls are proud of me and that makes me feel good.