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

I found out about bariartric surgery by reading an issue of People that had feature Carnie Wilson. My first impression was this is what I am going to do. Carnie Wilson has been my main inspiration. SHe is a beautiful woman, both inside and out.

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

I live in Alberta, Canada so this was not an issue.

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

I was at the hospital for 4 days. I left the evening of the fourth day. It was a very small hospital, so it was quite peaceful. I brought my own blanket, and my own comfortable clothes. Pajama pants, and shorts.

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

Yes, I did have some complications due to the anesthetic. On the second night I had my right lung collapse. I also could not pee for the first two days. Once I got moving around, things cleared up quickly. I also had to do allot of painful deep breathing to get my right lung active again. As the sayings goes, if you rest too much you rust... You have to get moving!

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 great after 2 weeks. The first two weeks were lazy and quiet, but after that I had to start doing crafts and such to occupy my mind. I knew I could not rush back to work, but I needed to keep my mind busy. Thus also, why I have found this web site. It helps keep me focussed. I have cried a few times, to deal with the process of change. Even though the results are positive, the change is difficult.

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

I was feeling well in no time. For me, the problems layed more in the phycological aspect of my lifestyle change. I had post-op depression and missed eating normally. I was a little more sensative to the people around me. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful understanding husband. I highly reccomend others to learn how to SAY what they are feeling and tell the people specifically what they need. Even if you are asking them to eat in another room, or to understand why you need to eat alone.

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

I travelled 3 houras to have surgery. I am almost five months post-op and have not gone back to see my surgeon. I have saw my family doctor locally. I have not had any major complications.

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.

In the three weeks following surgery, PUREE anything was really great, excluding meat. I am currently almost 5 months post-op and have a HARD time eating meat, mostly beef. I eat allot of chicken though! I have found that on the rare occaion that I needed a red meat fix, I literally did the chew and spit senario. NO, not while dining out. But at home, and I found it really helped my craving! I also have basically threw the majority of bread, pasta, rice and potatoes out the window. I can eat them, but they definately are foods that require more concentration to eat. Sometimes it is not worth the trouble. Other times, it is worth it and I have to remember to be EXTRA careful with chewing properly and not eating too much or it will make me vomit.

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

Not bad. Walking was ok. Once my mental and emotional caught up.

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

I take a liquid trace minerals supplement and chewable vitamins.

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?

Vomitting was bad for me. I think this was due to my initial resistance to the lifestyle change.

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

Realizing, it is not magic. Adjusting my lifestyle. Now that I had adjusted, weight is coming off and I am feeling well. The actual process of adjusting was difficult though.

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

The ladies in my area have created a support group that I have become a part of. It has been a HUGE help in my progress. We call ourselves, "Calgary Big Losers" because of the massive amounts of weight we are all losing! I have met some great ladies.

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

My scar is pretty bad. I have to admit it, I can see a person's eyes when they look at it. But you know what? It doesn't bother me. Maybe it is because I have not lost all my weight yet, maybe I will wish I could show off my figure more later? I dout it, because I plan on having more babies and that will probably mean more stretch marks anyway. So I would have to say I make it a proud battle scar. To symbolize the battle with weight I have been fighting.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaut every month! ESPECIALLY at cycle time. It was VERY frusterating in the begining of the process, but I am now understanding. When I plateau I need to pump something up! Either my excerise, or water, or both!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People seem to take me more seriously. They realize I do not like being overweight and I am willing to do anything to get past it!