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

I worked with someone who had had it done... It was always in the back of my mind.. I never thought I would actually have it done.. But then once the whole Carnie Wilson thing came out.. I considered it seriously... Besides the fact that I had gained more weight in the process... It was really the only option for me at that point..

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

Approval wasn't too bad, sort of... I had to constantly call my insurance company and bother them about my approval.. Finally I think they got sick of me and gave in! They didn't have a problem with approving me for surgery in Syracuse (where I am from) but I wanted to go to Rochester, to have my surgery done laproscopically. This was a challenge to get approved... luckily, I knew someone who had the same insurance as I do, and I dropped her name-that seemed to work just perfectly!

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

He had a spiel that he must have given a million times before... He had chairs with arms on them.. which really mad me upset with him... but other than that... it was very informative... I suggest asking as many questions as you can. Bring someone with you, who is interested in the surgery.. They will think of the questions that you forgot to ask about.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 23 years old and 353lbs. If I continued on like that, I would have never been able to get out of bed, and leave the house. I had a one year old son, I wanted to be able to play with him, and not be an embarrassment to him in the future.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did what the surgeon recommended. And based on my prior research, that was the same thing that I had decided on before meeting the surgeon.

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?

NO FEARS whatsoever. I was ready for this surgery. YOU NEED TO BE READY.

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 cool with it. Very supportive, especially my mom.

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

They were fine with it too.. they had lots of questions..and they continue to give me periodic ego boosters. I was out for a month. I don't think I needed to be, but that's how long my surgeon gave me, so I took it.

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

The hospital was fine. I was there for 3 days Thursday thru Sun morn. You don't really need to bring anything.. You don't feel like putting in your contacts so don't bother bringing those. they will give you a toothbrush, soap, etc. don't bother bringing that stuff.. and they don't let you take a shower, so don't bother bringing your shampoo and stuff like that. You will have an IV stuck to you, so you are stuck wearing the hospital gowns... I brought way too much stuff with me...just bring something comfortable to wear home.

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

no complications

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Very excited! No anxiety at all!

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

I felt great! I had my surgery done laprascopically, so I felt great by the next couple days afterwards.

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

an hour and a half. aftercare was a snap! Not a big deal with the travelling... it's kind of nice to get out of town once in a while anyway.

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.

can't eat sugary things, regular food (puree puree puree), etc etc I can't handle milk or dense carbs anymore since surgery. But as far as everything else is concerned... I can eat pretty much whatever I want... just smaller portions...and better choices.

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

sky high

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

multi vitamins, and trinsicon

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 don't really have any side effects... hair loss is the only thing that is constant... but it's not like I am going bald... just losing strands here and there... My hair is very thick, and it is holding up just fine.. it's just annoying to have hair all over your clothes all day long.. i am still losing, and I am 7 months post op. I don't know when it is supposed to stop, but I am doing ok with it.

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

waking up from anesthesia. and that whole day after... I was out of it totally, and I don't like feeling like that

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

I have a local support group that is very beneficial... It is nice to have friends that have a common interest, and goal... and it is very important to hear what everyone is going through. Also, you can help other people out who are considering the surgery.

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

I have 5 "less than an inch" scars and 2 half inch scars.. They are barely noticeable at 7 months post op... I am VERY pleased!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

i have plateaus all of the time! At first they are discouraging... but after you realize that it will pass, they aren't so bad...

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely... I hate to say it, but people treat me like a person now... they smile, and actually talk to me.. It's funny how once you lose weight and get smaller, you suddenly come into view a little better.. I guess people have blinders on to block out fat people.