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

I saw Carnie Wilson's interview on Good Morning America. I couldn't wait to find out more and see if I could have the surgery.

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

Keep a call log Call persistently Make copies of everything Find out your insurance's policy on WLS before subscribing

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

It was a morning seminar with 5 other ladies. After the seminar there was a meeting with the Dr. in an examination room where you had privacy and could ask questions. Prepare your questions in advance. Dr. R's waiting time is minimal compared to other surgeons.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Health reasons. I wanted to be able to play with my children and didn't want to be disabled in the future.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the minimal amount of scarring. So, I chose Lap. Also, I wanted the gastric bypass because I wanted maximum losing power.

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 felt that if I could not have the surgery that I would die at an early age anyway. At lest this way I would be prepared.

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 except my boyfriend was extremely supportive. He was supportive and went with me to the hospital, but he was concerned that something would happen to me and that my ex-husband would try to get custody of the children.

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

I had the surgery during the summer and I am a teacher, so I was not off work for the surgery. I did have to miss the first 2 weeks of school however due to my esphogus closing and my not keeping any food down for 2 straight weeks.

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

The hospital stay was fine. The nurses were really kind, and it really was kind of a blur. I took the pain medication from the pain pump and slept most of the time. I was in the hospital for 3 days. I would tell you to bring yourself something to drink. Most of the offerings from the hospital were not WLS appropriate. (I was only the 3rd person to have surgery at Methodist Medical Center in Dallas) They may have a complete WLS diet now.

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

Wound Infection--had to wear a wound vac and go in for physical therapy every 2 days for 2 months. Esphogus closed--had to go back to Methodist Hospital and have a scope done to open my esphogus. (If I hadn't waited 2 weeks to report the constant vomitting to my surgeon, it probably wouldn't have been so bad)

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 given a surgery date of July 23rd in June. Karen, Dr. R's nurse, called me a week later and changed my date to July 3rd, so that she could get all of the teachers in with enough time to recoup before school started back. I only had to wait 2 weeks and I spent that time playing with my children and preparing them for my absence.

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

Constant nausea, trouble getting enough drink down, downess over what changes there has been done to your body.

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

My travel was 2.5 hours to the hospital. The ride home was long, but not unbearable.

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.

So far most all meats are too granular for me. I haven't had good experiences with breads or peanut butter. Eggs and soups are ok. The best food is BlueBunny yougurt sweetend with Splenda.

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

My parents really pushed me to walk. I started my 1st night home from the hospital and just walked maybe half a block. I built up how far I walked depending on my energy that day. I now work out 5 days/week at Curves.

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

I just take a women's daily vitamin. I chewed Flintstones for the first 3 months.

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 experienced dumping, sleep disturbance. The nausea when my esphogus closed was the worst part for me. The hair loss is depressing, but I haven't lost that much that you can tell a big difference.

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

The esphogus closing and my stomach hurting so badly from not receiving food or water for such a long time.

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

I follow Dr. R's aftercare binder. I am not a part of a support group and I haven't felt the need to join one. My parents and friends are extremely supportive and I talk with them when I need to.

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

It is 2.5 inches long and isn't really all that bad. I would have preferred no long scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have just recently hit a plateau where I am not losing pounds, but I am still dropping inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sure, the men are much more attentive. I feel that people only treat me different because I feel more confident in myself.