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

I heard about Carnie Wilson but always thought I could never afford it and I actually thought it's nice to dream about but it would never happen.

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

Wow I would have to say it was a miracle!! I was approved almost immed. When they called me I didn't believe them!

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

Dr. Valin scared me! He is a very stern man which is what you want in the confidence department BUT in the bedside manner department doesn't help.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well I was approved and knew this was going to change my life!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

If I was going ALL OUT it was going to be permanent.

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?

Wow I never had fears until they were wheeling me into the (holding area) and I kissed my husband goodbye. Then it hit me hard!

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 w/me although i never mentioned anything until I had a date and my co workers thought I was stupid which I heard through the vine.

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

My boss was pretty supportive and I told her how long I would be out and she didn't fuss? I'm still there now so I guess she was fine w/ it. haha

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

My 1st stay at the hosp. was for about 3 days? I think the most important thing to bring would be a slippers and a bathrobe something that makes you feel safe.

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

Yes I did have complications. About 5 days after the surg. I coudn't keep anything down, so I went to the ER and we found out that my intestine had twisted so they had to go back in lap. After the 2nd surg. Dr Valin came in and said they would have to go back in again because they needed to open me up! I think I dealt w/ the situation ok? When I found out I had to have the 2nd surg my husband had already left and would never make it back before I went back in! So I was upset he wouldn't know what was happening! The 3rd time Dr Valin told me, I just started to cry and this wonderful old woman told me to sit on her bed and she comforted me!

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 very excited and felt like I HAD to eat everything and anything before it came time! I coped with it by you guessed it EATING!!

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

The 1st few weeks were pure hell! But my situation was not typical so you really can't go by that! 3 surgs in a two week period is def. not typical!!

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

I think it takes about 1 1/2 hrs. It was a pain to drive that far w/ complications but my husband was a trooper!

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.

it's been so long that I guess I can tell you now what I can handle. I still "dump" if I have over 15grams or sugar! which is hard when you eat ice cream! But it does teach you PORTION CONTROL!!! Also I can't enjoy chinese like I used to way to greasy!!

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

Very little due to all of the complications.

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

multi vitamin sid/calcium bid/ b 12 sublingual sid.

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?

Dumping right off the bat was the first thing is STILL is the worst thing! Buit w/out it I would be heavy, it keeps me in check. The hair loss really sucked! about three months after surg and it lasted about 2 months? SUCKED I bought a hair thicking shampoo, and chopped it but nothing really helps you just have to grin and bear it!

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

The healing process! The oozing everytime you moved! YUCK!!!

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

I really never had any aftercare help? Mainly because it was so far away.

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

It will be 3 years in October my initial laproscopic scars have pretty much faded away but where they had to open me up well it's pretty noticeable. I was sure what to expect?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a few but they lasted for maybe 2-3 weeks and then I started losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I feel they pay more attention to me but I know I am def. more out going now!