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

Heard about Carnie Wilson and then one of my cousins had it performed.

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

Very smooth - i worried that I would be declined since i really did not have the medical issues - diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. J

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

I was had my surgery at Fountain Valley Hospital in So. California. they have a bariatric section so no worries about fitting on beds, wheel chairs. I had one nurse that was uncaring and after my sister complained (i was still out of it) the nurse was removed from my care. The hospital staff was wonderful. I was in for 3 days - had a negative reaction to morphine in that it made me very irritable - once i complained they changed the pain meds and i was great.

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

No complications. I followed all the pre-op instructions and had no problems, Where as my roommate did not drink the liquid to clean your system out and she was in extremely pain from gases.

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 so excited about having the surgery. I had some concerns about whether or not I could eat/drink things I liked like milk. I coped with stress by picking up books at the library or Borders and reading about everything on the surgery - pre, post,etc.

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

You will be amazed that you are full but you still want to eat because it taste good. The best advice i could give someone is to follow the guidelines to the "T". It is only 6 weeks of you life with a very restricted diet.

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

My surgeon and hospital are 25 miles from my home.

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.

I would try foods as i was able - took very small bites and let them settle before taking another bite. This work in finding out what foods my body could no longer tolerate such as broccoli, steak, and mayo. I still can not eat broccoli or steak of any type, but i can eat low-fat mayo. I keep a form of protein (nuts, protein bars) in my purse and car - if i go too far between eating i get very light headed and get the shakes. I am almost 5 years post-op and still am limited to food portions but i still have to stay conscience of what, how much and how fast i am eating.

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

Very low - tired all the time, feet hurt, no energy before surgery. I gradually worked up my activitiy so that i used my employers gym every day at lunch.

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

Tums - daily for calcium, B12 - weekly, Multi-vitamin, Iron - i have always been anemic

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?

My hair thinned the first year but gradually returned to normal. Vomiting (dumping) occurred if i ate or drank too quickly or too much or certain foods. Besides the hair thinning, i have the vomiting if i eat or drink wrong. I do worry that my stomach will stretch and I won't be able to stop myself from eatting. But i struggle daily with controling my urges - main motivator is not wanting to be fat again and remembering how wonderful it feels to be an average size.

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

My sister was 5 hours late to pick me up - literally. I have never regretted the decision for the surgery and would do it again in a heartbeat.

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

I attended support groups before and after the surgery. I was an encouragement before the surgery to see the patients and ask questions. When i would see someone that I though looked great - body size, complexion - i would ask what they are doing so i could copy. After the surgery, i found the groups to frustrating since the leader was unable to keep everyone in the discussion - certain people dominated the topics.

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

I had lapo so i have only 8 little spots. I have had cosmetic surgery as well to remove excess skin and to put thing back where nature intended. Again, great surgeon - no or little scarring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss average 8 pounds per month for the first 12 months after that it slowed down but i lost inches. I still have about 25 pounds i would like to lose - i just need to stay focus and excercise more frequently.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definately. General public - more smiles and eye contact Business - asking my opinion and listening more. Family - had to get used to a new me and that i wasn't going to allow them to upset me in eatting again.