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

I heard my friend talking about the surgery at a weight loss group that I was attending from our church. She has battled the weight for years, has been skinny when she was younger and just finally got sick of battling it. I had heard about Carnie Wilson having this done but just kind of put it on the back burner. I had been approved to have the band surgery done in 1996 but it would have been 1 month before my wedding, and I just didn't want to ruin that.

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

My insurance company is wonderful. They approved it the day they received it. If you're having trouble, don't give up-find out all your options 1st-this is so very important to you so why give up w/out a fight?

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

I was very impressed with my surgeon. He was very informative and took all the time I needed to answer all my questions. He was very likeable and even more so after my surgery. Take all the questions you can think of w/ you to your consultation. You want to be well informed so that you can make your final decision if needed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Trying to keep up w/ my son-I just couldn't bear to put him thru any pain. I would just die if someone teased him because his mom was a "cow". I had lived w/ being teased all my life because I was chubby. I pray he will never have to go thru that. And I also couldn't stand to look in the mirror anymore. I hate the fat just hanging on my body. And I knew if I didn't do something, I would end up being diabetic. I was already borderline.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had spoken w/ several people in town who had the surgery done. I wanted to be able to go once and not have to go back later because of complications if I could help it. That's why I had the open surgery done. Besides, the only ones that will see that scar are me and my husband-I've never been bikini wearer anyway!

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?

Everyone has fears about having surgery. There are always risks with any surgery you have. Talk about those fears if you need to. Whatever makes you feel better about them. If there is any little thing that your dr. feels would endanger you during surgery, he/she won't do the surgery. I just did a lot of praying and felt better the day of the surgery. The worst part was leaving my little boy for 4 days-I cried 6 times before we left!!!

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?

Everyone was so very supportive. My husband was like-whatever you want to do honey, I'm behind you! Everyone is glad that I had the surgery and are glad that I'm doing so great. I'm thankful that I had it done. Day 2 of my surgery was the hardest day-that's what they told us all at the hospital and they were right. Day 3 and on was downhill after that. Each day I got better and stronger.

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

My supervisor is very supportive of me. She would have let me have the surgery when I wanted, but I opted to wait til everyone was back from vacations, etc. We are short on help right now. Otherwise, I would have had it done asap. I came back to work after 3 weeks, and I was ready. There's only so much TV and stuff you can watch/do, and any outings were a thrill.

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

The hospital stay was pretty good. I was in 4 days total. Didn't feel much like reading but I did bring pictures to look at of my little boy and husband who were 4 1/2 hours away from my hospital. It was nice to have my socks there and some may want slippers for walking up and down the hallways.

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

I did have gas in my stomach after surgery that made me a little nauseated but that seemed to go away after about a week. And then after I was back on my birth control pills they started making me feel nauseated and then I tried the patch and it did the same thing. So now I'm not on birth control.

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 felt better every week after surgery. I really didn't have any anxiety at all.

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

I had lots of help of course since I had a baby and couldn't carry him around or pick him up. We hired a cleaning lady to come at least once while I was off, and I just got up and walked around inside and took short walks often outside since it was still summer then. Not pushing too much is key, because your body won't let you do that in the 1st place. And get comfortable clothing!

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

I traveled 4 1/2 hours to Belvidere, IL for surgery. I had to go back for 2 wks, 6wks, and 3 month checkups, and don't have to go back til my 1 yr. checkup.

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 followed the meal plans that the surgeons/dieticians gave me. Full liquids when I got home, then pureed foods, then soft foods, then solid foods. Day 42 was when I could start on solid foods again-what an exciting day that was! I really haven't had too many problems w/ foods, just an iowa chop that made me sick because it just got stuck half way and I ended up getting sick. I have tried small amounts of sugar but am very careful w/ that since I don't feel the need to get sick from that. I have had fried foods only in moderation.

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

I was able to walk ok after surgery and increased my walking, went back to work after 3 weeks off and walked on my lunch hour downtown. I went back to my fitness center after my 6 wk. checkup.

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

taking chewable vitamins 2x a 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?

Haven't had very many side effects.

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

The 2nd day was the worst for me. I had more pain that day than any other time. After day 2 it was much better!

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

I go to a monthly support group here in my city. We get together and share our stories w/ those who are waiting for surgery and hear from those who have been out longer than us. It's been so helpful to hear from others that are struggling in the same areas that I have been.

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

My scar is from my breast bone to my belly button. Yes, I expected it to be a big scar from the beginning. That doesn't bother me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had any as of yet, but I know there will be some soon!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

They are noticing my weight loss and complimenting me more now. That makes me feel good!