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

I heard about Carnie Wilson and first thought "OH thats not going to work she will just gain it back". Well I realized that was not the case just look at her now.

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

It was very easy for me to get approval.

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

He was very informitive even drew pictures for us.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I thought if Carnie Wilson can do it so can I.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon was only doing the one type.

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 had no fears I went in knowing I was going to make this a success.

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?

Mother was very worried. Father very unsupportive. Husband very worried also.

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

The stay was very plesent. Very capable staff. Toothbrush and slippers with non skid soles.

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

Yes I lost alot of blood, I now have an ulcer which I am being medicated for, and had malnutrition problems and ended up being fed through a tube for two days.

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 very excited already dreaming about being thin.

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

You will need plenty of rest and most of your desire for food is just mental because you were so used to eating and now that has all changed.

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.

Bread & ice cream. I have been able to tolorate soups very well.

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

2-3 weeks post-op I started swimming and felt great.

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?

no appetite at all.

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

The pain the first week post-op.

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

It is 11 inch long from belly button to breast bone. I thought it was going to be smaller.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Everyone is allways telling me how great I look.