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

Through watching what Carnie Wilson went through. I thought it was too drastic and I couldnt afford it.

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

I was so shocked. I got approval right away. I prayed about it and called to follow up on all the information the Dr. sent. Plus I had a great Surgeon and his staff was willing to fight for me to get the surgery.

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

I was kind of awe struck. Just soaking it all in. The best thing is to write down any questions you might have before hand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I had come to a cross roads in my life. Every birthday I declared I wasnt going to be that fat for my next birthday. I finally decided that this was my year.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched them and wanted the full monty. I had the Vertical Banded Gastric Bypass with the Roux eny

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 just had the normal fears of not waking up from surgery. It was totally natural to feel that way.

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 supportive. Some didnt understand at first but have been thrilled for me. As a matter of fact, my brother now wants to have the surgery.

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

They reacted very well. I work as a manager of an office and was only out of work for 2 weeks. I just came back slowly. I told them the truth.

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

I was in the hospital 3 days. The key to a quick recovery is to get your butt out of bed and walk. I walked all the time. Probably some relaxing music and good slippers for the walking.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 felt nervous. I was afraid I was doing the wrong thing and would die and my kids wouldnt have a mother. But, then again I was afraid if I didnt do the surgery, I would die anyway.

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

I was EXTREMELY TIRED. I wanted to sleep alot. They should try to help you as much as possible and be considerate. I also didnt want to be around alot of food. It was unbearable at times.

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

I traveled about 45 miles.

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.

At first, I had to eat pureed foods. I remember eating lots of cottage cheese and drinking protein drinks. I couldnt eat bread or red meat for a long time. The first 3 months were the most restrictive. I remember in month 4 when I got to eat dry cereal, I thought I was in heaven. I also couldnt drink pop for about 5 months and I wanted a diet coke bad. My first dumping experience happened when I was about 5 months out. I ate turkey and ate too much and wanted to vomit bad.

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

I walked every day but got really tired at first. It got better as time went on.

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

I take 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 had lots of hair loss around my 6th month out. I tried to really eat my protein first. It finally stopped and I grew most of it back.

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

The worst part was trying to get all my protein in at first. I hated the drinks and the bars were even worse.

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

I go to the Dietician every other month. It is very important. It helps me track my losses.

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

It is from my belly button to just below my breast bone. I thought it would be worse actually.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at one right now. I want to lose 10 more pounds and am having a tough time motivating myself.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yep, they sure do. People in stores ask if they can help me. They dont just ignore me anymore.