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

Carnie Wilson's public announcement. My initial impression was I am going to do this. Started researching in 2002.

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

The approval process was very painless. I have BCBS PPO - however the rules after the surgery and the billing is something else. I am still trying to fight to get the dr paid all his money because the insurance company only paid one of the two codes that were initally approved before hand. I don't have any advise yet because I am still working through it.

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

Dr. Gonzales was great. He is very personable and knowledgable. Answers all you questions and makes you feel like a human, not a fat person.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing so many people succeed on the internet and many website posts.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The entire time I wanted the DS, but at first I thought I was going to be limited to the RNY, but my psychologist advised me that I qualified for the DS and that my insurance approved the procedure. after going home that day, it was a no brainer on which procedure I wanted. Then I talked to Dr. Gonzales and he confirmed it was the best for me. My BMI before surgury was 54.7

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 really didn't have any fears - I had the fear of not waking up when I was being wheeled off, but I have had that fear with all six of my other surgerys. I told myself from day one of approval that I wasn't going to have any complications, and I haven't. I think I am a hard person to tell others about fears, what is worse: living the rest of your life fat or dying. Both are bad. One for you and the other for your family.

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 has been very excited and very supportive. They all have been wonderful to me through the entire process.

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

My supervisor was also very supportive and told me to take all the time I needed for me. I told him exactly what I was going to do, gave him information printed on the surgery. I was off work for 3 weeks.

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

My experience in the hospital was not that great - I had surgery on tuesday and was released on Friday. I had one nurse that was awesome to me and the others had zero personality or responsiveness. The only thing I really needed and used was a good bathrobe. of course all your toiletries. My nurses had NO clue on what I was sposed to drink/eat or what was really going on. I had to ask for cold water once I was allowed to drink and ask for all my medication that should have been regular. I was very disappointed in my Stay.

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

I did not have any complications - everything was pretty smooth. I did have some side stiches at first that were pretty bothersome. they lasted for about 2 weeks off and on.

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 EXCITED - that is all I can remember - that I was finally going to be out of Prison

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

I was very sore from the incision. I did not sleep at night. I was unable to get in my bed. I did not sleep because I had to sit up in a chair. But that passed in about 2 weeks. Seemed long at the time but it all passed. I walked in 5 minute intervals around the house and focused on drinking fluids and drinking fluids!! I followed my doctors plan very closely. Had no problems except with COLD water - it was not my friend for several weeks, nor was anything sweet.

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

20 miles - Has not affected my aftercare at all - I work in the same city that my dr is in.

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.

the first 3 weeks things were by the book - pureed and liquids only. Then I started eating normal foods in moderation and keeping them soft. I have not had problems with much. White bread is not a very good friend which is good, I have not had any off limit foods. I have to remember to eat slowly or it doesn't feel very good.

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

I did not start exercising until about 8 weeks. Now I walk on a treadmill at home every day for 20-30 mintues.

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

Morning - B12, K, C Iron - in three doses over 4 hours Afternoon Calicum, A&D, E, MultiVitamin Bedtime Calcium, MultiVitamin

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 Nausia everytime I stood up for 1 1/2 weeks. also had heartburn during that time, took prolosec for 4 weeks. Other than that I have not had any problems.

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

The first 1 1/2 weeks of recovery. After that- it has been great.

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

I attend a monthly support group with my Dr's office and one at work. It is very helpful and very important. I need it!

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

My scar is vertial from the lower part of my chest to my bellybutton. It is smaller in width than I expected, but a little longer than I had expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had one every month so far (2) during my monthly cycle.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet - I am only 10 weeks out