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

I first heard about the surgery from a friend of mine who was considering it. She told me her battles with insurance and how she reached her decision. I remember at that time thinking "no way, how could anyone resort to surgery?" About a year later I started looking into it myself and reading about it online. That was about the time that Carnie Wilson's story became well published. I had tried another diet in the meantime and began to think more about the possibility of surgery. I sent away for a free video tape from a Bariatric Center; it soooo described how I was feeling and made me feel like maybe this really WAS the answer.

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

I stayed at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond for my surgery. I had really wanted to try laproscopic surgery and was pleased to see that I was indeed a candidate for it under Dr DeMAria's care. I was hospitalized for 3 days. Other than the barium test to determine if there were any nonvisible leaks in my pouch, the stay wasn't that bad. During that study, I had a radiologist who kept repeating swallow, swallow, swallow until my pouch was WAY overfilled and I vomited all over myself, the wall and the technician. I really didn't need to pack anything besides what I would take on any overnight stay. I did use a few extra pillows, but was lucky enought to have a private room (I was in over a weekend so census was lower) but if I had had a roomate I might have wanted a CD player with headphones for tuning out extra conversations.

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

I was lucky enough to have NO complications whatever. BUT, I did everything to the letter of what Dr DeMAria instructed me to do. I recorded every mouthful and ate all the required protein and calories the dietican prescribed. I exercised daily for as much as I could gradually tolerate.

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 a little anxious but no more than I would've been for ANY surgery. I was (and still am) nervous about the thought of anesthesia and the possibility of not coming through the operation. I gave myself permission to cancel the surgery if I had any doubts whatsoever. I felt more excited that I was about to open a new chapter of my life than any other emotion. I tried to picture what I would look like and how I would feel months later; I was a little concerned about whether or not I would really be able to handle the dietary changes but felt like I needed to do it regardless of the surgery so this was just a tool to help me become healthier.

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

There are monthly support group meetings about 40 mintutes from me, but I also have a friend who lives nearby who had the surgery. She is the one who is of the most help when I had questions. I also have found someone right in my hometown who was considering surgery at the time of my surgery. I emailed them (met them through this website!) and we bagan a correspondance. Since that time, he and his wife have both had the surgery and are doing great. It helps to have several folks with whom you can share experiences to see what's "normal" and what isn't. Also, this website was a TREMENDOUS help to me for the first 6 months. I checked in regularly to read about things when I had questions and wanted to see if I was "normal"...and I was.

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

I have 6 very small inch long scars across my abdomen from the laproscopic procedure. They are now very small although still purple (7 months later), but are looking smaller as my weight loss continues. They are now blending in with my stretch marks and the puckering of extra skin that I have in the middle near my navel.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

During the first 6 months, I have had about 2-3 small plateaus that each lasted about 2 weeks. I have lost so much weight though that it never upset me. I had read so much about plateaus on this website that I knew to expect them and that as long as I was following the plan that they would pass. It's almost as if your body has to "re-set" itself to adjust for any more loss. Now when it happens I think that my body is resetting and I try to see what things I might have t0 do differently to allow more of a loss. Sometimes it seems like more protein, sometimes more water or exercise...whatever it takes to jump start the process again. Although I have about another 40-50 pounds that I want to lose, I could be very happy staying right here now (lost 115 lbs) so i am not fretting about anymore plateaus! I am averaging about 1-2 pounds every 2 weeks now and am FINE with that!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely I do! I have seen people become friendlier and make more eye contact that before. I worked in one building for 3 years and finally a month ago the boss came through and introduced himself to me. Where was I all those other years? I was too big to miss, but must've been easily overlooked. I respect myself more and I can't help but think those who know me respect me more too for the changes I've created.