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

When Carnie Wilson came forward and shared her story. I was very excited about it and started doing my research then.

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

The people at Ohio State University submittted my insurance claim and I was approved within one week. I would suggest that you have all your letters of recommendations ready and make sure the doctor lists all the reasons why this surgery would be benificial to you.

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

He was a busy man. I went in with 4 pages of questions to ask, but by the time he was finished explaining the surgery benefits and risks, I only had 2 questions left on my original list. Ask everything you can think of, even if you think it's a dumb question.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My primary care physician told me that if I didn't make a change, he didn't think I would be around next year. It wasn't a hard decision. I had developed diabetes, adema and wanted to die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor decided what was best for me.

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 going to die without surgery, so I had no fears about dying. I knew the risk of the complications before I had surgery, so those fears were put to rest.

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 very excited because they knew the benefits of surgery and they wanted to see me start living instead of just existing through life.

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

My hospital stay was bad. There were not enough nurses to take care of the patients. I rang the bell and didn't get a response for 2 hours. I was there for 7 days. Don't forget to bring your toothbrush, stuff to take a shower, chap stick, lotion and a back scratcher since you can't stretch alot.

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

My stoma closed 2 times after surgery, but went in and had an endiscope done and they dialated it and now everything is fine. The endiscope was a breeze, I slept through the entire thing and don't remember it.

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 had a consultation on a Monday and surgery was Wednesday of that same week. I didn't have time to get nervous and I was very happy about that.

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

I was very sore. I had to sleep in a recliner for the first month. You have to force food. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. It would help to have someone stay with you and help you if possible.

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

It was a 2 1/2 hour trip to the hospital and then 2 1/2 hours back home. I have to make this trip for every visit.

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.

The first 2 weeks was basically baby food and everything mushy. I am 9 weeks post-op and I'm still having trouble with meats. I'm glad I like cheese, milk and eggs.

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

It increases each and every day. I am not walking 4 miles a day.

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

I take 2 Flintstone chewables with Iron every 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?

I'm nausius every morning. I don't know the reason why, but it seems to go away after a few hours. I've not dumped once or had much hair loss. I did have a problem with vomitting, but that was because my stoma had closed.

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

The stay at the hospital.

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

There are no meetings in my area, so I visit the chat room quite often and found out things to expect and made lots of new friends.

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

I have 7 port sites and they are very small and fading. It's exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've not had any as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am more confident, so I think that reflects in the way people treat me.