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

I watched Carnie Wilson's surgery and watched her change before my eyes, I looked into and talked to my physician for quite a while before making my final decision. I was nervous, but I was way more excited to feel good about me and change my life and health!

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

I received my approval letter in less than 2 weeks! It was easy~ I have heard so many stories about people waiting a year or more and battling with their insurance~ I had an excellent experience!

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

I was nervous! I had questions, concerns, and comments. My main concern was about wanting to have children someday and if surgery would hurt or help my chances. I would advise people to have a list of concerns and questions for theit surgeon and don't leave until you understand it all.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

At the end of my 1st visit with the surgeon, he asked "So when do you want to do it? This month still?" And I made my appointment for surgery in a month and I took the month and did more research and I went with my date and I have not looked back!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It was recommended to me.

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 did not want to know the statistics about dying from the surgery, so I went in with a clear head. I knew all the complications that could arise, but they were all worth the risk more than living the way I was!

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?

I had enormous support from everyone. I did not tell all my friends of my decision because I did not want to spend the month before surgery explaining everything to people, so I waited until I started losing weight and when people asked what I was doing, then I told them.

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

I was a student at the time, and the president of the school personally apporved my leave, she was a nurse and had done some work with gastric bypass.

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

I was in intensive care the 1st 2 days I was there. It was a comfortable hospital and some of the nurses I had while there, had also had the surgery so they were sypathetic and they had great advice! I was there for 4 days~ I brought my own toothbrush, toothpaste, things like that. Bring what will make you feel better~

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

I have had 2 bowel obstructions and I recently had a revision. I have dealt with all of them fine.

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 too excited for my new life to begin!

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

I stayed with my parents, so they made it very comfortable for me.

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

38 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.

I had no food complications, which could be good or bad, depending on how you look at it! I slowly started eating foods, taking my time. I remeber having my 1st M & M!! It was the best ever!!

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

I was slow getting around, but by 4 weeks I was working with a trainer at the gym.

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

Flinstone chewables, B-12 injections, & Calcium

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 alot of hair loss, I cut my hair the 1st week I was home. It continued for the 1st year.

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

Having my drainage tube taken out!! I still shiver when I think about how it felt!

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

I have not gone to any groups.

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

They do not even bother me, you can not really notice them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau about 3 years after. I gained some weight and since have had 2 children, I am trying to lose now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes~ especially in clothing stores.