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

I saw Carney Wilson and she really motivated me. I didn't think I would qualify for it. But after some research, I learned I did qualify for it.

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

My doctor's office did everything for me.

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

My first visit I was a little nervous, but Dr. Nusbaum was the best. I had researched this for about 6 months before seeing him. I had a list of questions and he answered them all without hesitation. My advice is research your procedure and write down all questions and concerns before you see the doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The weight would not come off and at 33 years old I did not want my kids to be embarrassed of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor made that determination based on my medical background.

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?

Prior to surgery, I did nothing but cry when I thought about my kids. I thought what if I die, what would my kids do. Then I said well i'm only 75 lbs overweight maybe I should try another diet. Then I thought about it and knew I had confidence in my doctor and I knew it was something I needed to do for me. I think I would tell others, it's not bad to have fear about your procedure, make sure you have the support of friends and family and believe that you are doing this to truly make your life better and healthier.

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 and friends were a little nervous, but supported me. After surgery, they are like my cheerleaders. They are always congratulating me on my weight loss and telling me how good I look.

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

My hospital stay was good. The nurses were very attentive. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I brought my personal toiletries, nightgown, robe, slippers ( for walking, very important). Also a journal is a good idea.

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

3 weeks, I did have to go back into the hospital, I was vomitting a lot and I got dehydrated. I had to have a scope and I had a stricture at the opening of my new stomach.

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 dealing with surgery pretty good. I was extremely anxious about going because I wanted to start on my new journey. I dealt with my anxiety by talking to my friends and family alot. I also typed up letters to my children and my husband, telling them how much I loved them and I hope they understood why I was doing this.

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

The first 2 weeks just take it slow, no lifting, or pushing or pulling. Lots of liquids only. Try to keep your spirits up. 3rd week I was sick after trying to advance my diet. Started to get a little depressed. Went into the hospital because of a small complication, not uncommon. 4th week still having a hard time advancing my diet, but I just go slow. Try new foods 1 tsp. at a time, eat slow and chew thoroughly.

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

No travel at all. 15 minutes away from hospital.

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.

1st weeks Clear liquids (broth, jello-sugar free, pudding-sugar free, sugar free ice pops, water) 2nd week Full liquids (anything that was liquid before refrigeration/freezing) cream soups - blenderized if had broccoli or potatoes or veggies. 3rd week soft foods - eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, mashed potatoes, rice, tuna, chicken in the can, light mayo- 1 tsp.) This is the stage I had a problem with, nothing would stay down. Now i'm started in my 4th week (5/5/03) my new stage Lean Cuisine meals, chicken, turkey, fish.

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

Weeks 1-2, just walking building you time up to 20 minutes. Week 3, some walking. Week 4 - 5/5/03 I can assume all normal activites, exercising, walking, aerobics.

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

I take Previcid for my stomach. Centrum Chewables-multivitamin and 2 Tums per 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?

First 2 weeks some nausea, and dizziness. Minor sleep disturbance due to gas pain in my chest. Vomiting in the 3rd and 4th week. The gas pain was the worst pain to deal with. I took pain medicine to take away the pain. My nausea and vomiting, I just went and laid down and then in about 1 hour, I felt ok.

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

Learning how to eat again. Learning what to eat again.

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

Every 1st Thursday of the month with Dr. Nusbaum. I haven't been to one yet, my first group meeting is June.

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

5 tiny incisions. They don't hurt and will not leave any scar. Yes this is wHat I expected.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes a little. They watch what you eat and always ask is that ok to eat for you. Duh, I wouldn't eat it if I couldn't, the pain and the feeling are terrible.