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

The very first time I had heard about bariatric surgery is from the Bariatric Treatment Center commercials that aired in Detroit. I first remember them from the time I was like around 7 or 8 years old. Even then I thought how wonderful that would be if it worked. I never would have thought that it would still be around and how successful it truly is. I am living proof!!

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

My first visit was pretty routine. I asked some basic questions, but just had the feeling, a sense, that i was in the right hands with my surgeon. I really didn't worry about his skills or knowledge. He is wonderful and gifted!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My final straw, so to speak, is when a guy I was dating dumped me, in a bad way. I felt like I would be so lonely the rest of my life. I had considered it prior, but never decided. After this event, I seen an updated article on Carnie Wilson in People Magazine or one of those. I couldn't believe my eyes! I went to one of her websites and read and researched everything I could. I got informed and told myself that there is hope.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew right away that I wanted the Lap RNY. I had read so many things about the other procedures and new I didn't want to be in alot of pain, and believed it was the best for 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?

My biggest fear was the pain or complications. I did not fear dying. I basically felt like, if I died on the table or afterwards, atleast I tried to better myself. It was painful to think about since I have my son, but the worst fear I had was pain and problems. I still feel the same way about it and know without a doubt, I would do it again!

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?

Everyone was supportive except one friend. But the biggest hurdle with that was misinformation. People just do not know or want to know about this surgery unless they need it themselves. Kind of like, "I don't need it, why do I want to know about it," type attitude. Overall, I have had great support. Just so much misinformation and ignorance!

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

I told my employers and cowokers right away about it. They are so nosey anyway, there would have been no way to not tell them. They were all supportive of my decision. But like any employer, they wanted me back right away to do my job. No slack there... I was off of work for 2 weeks. I should have waited at least 3 but just could not afford it.

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

My stay was wonderful!! All of my nurses and caregivers, except one, were excellent and knew what they were doing. I was in the hospital for 3 days. I tried not to bring much, but still did not use what I did bring. Most important things for me were my slippers, my bottled water, my toothbrush and paste, hair brush and hair tie, and my meds. I really didn't need anything else. ***TIP for long hair**** Put two braids in your hair the day of surgery. This way, it will be easy to maintain and will not be all natted in the back when you try to brush it out. Very helpful info!!!!

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

I have zero complications. Very fortunate!!

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 in a daze the whole time. I don't know why, but it still has yet to hit me what I have done. I was not really nervous or anxious. I just wanted it over with so I could move on....to a new life.

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

Absolutely NOTHING!!! Take this time to rest and heal ONLY!! Lay around and sleep all day if you can. I had 2 weeks of this and althought I was really bored, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest! Just keep in mind that every single day it will get better and you WILL notice!

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

I travled approx. 45 minutes north to Toledo from Findlay, OH. I had a friend take me and bring me home. It was all highway so wasn't too bad. I would have traveled farther if need be. The only rough part is taking off a half day of work to go to a check up.

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.

First week post-op: Pudding, cottage cheese, cream soups, oatmeal. Second week post-op: Added tuna, chicken, lean beef, pita's veggies and fruits. Third week post-op: same but added more variety. Fourth week post-op: Added lettuce and other more course foods. Bascially was told to experiment. Just keep it low in salt, fat and sugar. Stay away from breads, and pasta and other carbs. **TIP: always eat protein first, then veggies, then fruits, then carbs if you have any left over.

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

My activites are extremely low. They still are somewhat, but I have begun to start walking, am doing more around the house.

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

Children's chewable for the first month after surgery. Protein powder shakes on occassion. But after the first month, I just take adult vitamins that have a ton of extra goodies in them and will take them the rest of my life probably.

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?

Not too much nausea, NO vomiting, sleep was about the same, maybe slightly less in quality because of being careful not to roll on my belly. Don't think I have truly dumped yet. Hair loss is the worst for me. I am thinning on top so bad. I started taking botin right away after surgery and take 1000mg a day. It does seem to be getting a lil better. I just deal with it. Is is a part of the whole process.

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

The very worst was the constipation. And worrying about if you are getting enough or too much intake of food. But again, it gets better every single day!

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

I began to go to the support group that my surgeon's office holds once a month. It is so imformative and you really feel like you belong. Everyone there is going thru or will go thru what you have. Ours is very informal and relaxed. I know it will be extremely important for me to go to maintain contac and support with those I have met and become friends with since my journey began. And I may help someone else down the road. I also visit this wonderful site, which is an absolute GODSEND!!!

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

I have 6 incision scars, ports. 5 were for the instruments and had been stapled shut. 1 was for my drain and had one stich in it. They are really small and do not hurt at all. I have healed very well except one incision. When the last staple was taken out, it opened up. It is in a rough spot because it seems like everything I do, something rubs up against it and irritates it or opens it up. I have become very careful with it and every day it does get better and smaller. **Update** Scars look really good for 7 months out. All but 2 are hardly noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My first plateau and boy is it hitting me hard. My weight has not moved an ounce in 2 months! I know the problem, no exercise. I am having a rough time now so I just need to kick myself and get motivated.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not just yet. I get the "fat" looks still. I see people that haven't seen me in 7 months and they notice, but generally no one is treating me any different because I am still pretty obese.