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

I first heard of bariatric surgery when Roseanne had it done. She talked about how it changed her life and how she felt so much better. I was interested in it, but I thought it was something only the well to do could have done. Then I heard about Carnie Wilson and my interests peeked. I then began seeing advertisements for bariatric treatment center and that's when I started to do some research.

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 any problems getting insurance approval for surgery. My doctor wrote a letter of recommendation. Maybe that helped.

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

I had done my homework and had gone to 2 other surgeons before I made my final decision. My surgeon was very warm and caring. That was important to me. I had been to other facilities that offered the same surgery, but I felt like a cow being led to slaughter. The best thing to do is research. Before your initial consult write down any questions you have and take them with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery because I was tired of living life on the side lines. I was ready to participate. I was tired of not enjoying life. I was ready to live!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only performed open surgery. He's never lost a patient and that was more important to me than the recovery time or scar. Lap surgery is fairly new and with a surgery this delicate, I didn't want to take a chance with the lap procedure. A woman in my community had the lap surgery prior to my own and died.

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 afraid but I had faith and I prayed. I knew that the benefits of the surgery would out weigh the risks. I would tell others to talk to their doctors about the risks before having the surgery.

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 was very concerned. My friends were too. But everyone was supportive. Everyone continues to be supportive, although I think that a few people are jealous of my weight loss.

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

They were supportive. I was off work for 6 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was fine. The staff was very caring and friendly. I was in the hospital for 4 days. What to bring: Chap stick, loose clothing for the return home, slip in shoes so you don't have to bend and something to wipe yourself with. I don't know about you but the thought of someone else wiping me makes me cringe. Even with the pain I was in I just couldn't bear the thought of having someone else wipe for me. So, I suggest a long handle bath brush or something like that to wrap toilet paper on. :)

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

No real major complications although I was switched from insulin to oral meds and I immediately went into keto acidonic shock and was rushed to the ER and spent another 5 days in the hospital. I still take insulin, but I take a lot less.

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 was tired a lot. I couldn't get through my day without a nap. I had no energy. I had a lot of support.

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

I stayed with my family the first 2 weeks. I recommend the same for everyone else, because that is a very crucial time. If anything thing happens or goes wrong you will have someone there to help you. I was very tired and had quite a bit of pain. I couldn't bend, I couldn't laugh, it was hard to wash myself up because I had to bend. I was moving like a turtle.

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

I had to drive 45 minutes to get to my surgeon and after care appointments. The travel wasn't too bad. I made all my appointments.

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 I didn't want to eat ANYTHING! I was on a liquid diet. Most of the things I was supposed to eat I couldn't get down. As time went on I began a soft diet and now I am able to eat most foods, although chicken which used to be one of my favorites doesn't agree with me. Softer foods agree with me more. I have a better appetite now but still I avoid sugar at all costs. I've heard stories about "dumping" and I am in no hurry to experience it.

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

I walked 10-15 min 3 times a day. I am now up to 1 hour of exercise 3-4 times a week.

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

I take women's ultra mega vitamins and 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 didn't have problems with anything except vomiting. That started 3 months after the surgery. It happened almost the entire month of August. After the surgery you have to learn to eat all over again. I was used to eating a certain way, but after the surgery you can't do that anymore or you will vomit.

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

The recovery process ( the first 8 weeks after surgery).

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

I have participated in a support group in my community. It has been helpful to talk with others who are at different stages.They always give great tips.

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

It's pretty bit. It goes from my breast bone to my navel. It's not attractive.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau in August and I panicked. I have heard that the surgery doesn't work for everyone, so I freaked out. I thought oh no! It's not going to work for me. I only lost 2 pounds in August but I was back on the wagon in september.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I have been getting lots of compliments and lots of stares.