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

When Carnie Wilson went public with her weight loss was my first introduction to GBS.

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

Since I am from Canada, I had to convince OHIP ( Ontario Health Insurance ) to cover the cost. Forms had to be filled out and sent in and within 2 weeks I was approved.

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

It was a real whirlwind. There were lots of tests and it was a full day. The first time Dr. Moore and I met face to face, I felt as if we had known each other for a long time. I felt very comfortable.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I honestly believed it was my only chance of ever losing weight and keeping it off, hopefully extending my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did extensive research on the subject and spoke to a surgeon in Toronto as well.

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?

Eight years ago when I was 44 years of age, I had a quadruple heart bypass. I felt if I could get through that, I could get through anything. I also had the utmost confidence in Dr. Moore.

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?

They were all very nervous. It is very difficult for other people to understand how we feel. Most people think we should just push ourselves away from the table. As we all know, it's not that simple. They are now all very supportive.

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

I was only away for a couple of weeks. It is usually my slow period at Christmas time, so it wasn't a problem. Everyone was very supportive.

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

My stay in the hospital was a piece of cake, if you'll excuse the expression. The nurses were fantastic. I was in the hospital for 2 days. By the way, the name of the hospital was Maryview.

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

NONE

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 not the least bit anxious. I was looking forward to it.

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

I can only speak for myself, but I have had no problems whatsoever since I got home from the hospital. I live by myself, and take care of myself. It's really been quite easy.

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

I travelled from Toronto, Canada to Chesapeake, Virginia. My personal physician at home looks after things now. Dr. Moore sent him a complete rundown on my procedure as well as the blood work follow-up for him to do for the next 18 months.

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 have a very easy time with the following: yogourt, low fat cottage cheese, pea soup, bean soup, egg salad, chopped liver, Wendy's chili, mashed potato, salmon, tuna. I have a hard time still with chicken, turkey, salad and I haven't even gone near red meat or bread.

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

I have much more bounce in my step. I honestly feel lighter. Today is March 17/04 I am 12 weeks post-op and am down 70 pounds I'm feeling super.

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

I take a chewable Flintstone complete twice a day, Calcium Citrate 4X500ml. daily, and 40 grams of a protein once a day.

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?

The only side effect I have had is 3 episodes of vomiting. This was due to eating too fast or not chewing my food enough.

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

The worst part was having to leave Virginia and saying goodbye to the people I became to know.

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

I don't have a support group other than the Obesity Help web site. It has been very helpful reading other people's experiences.

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

I don't have a scar, just 5 tiny marks from the little insisions for the tools.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had one yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not at all. But they are all very happy for me.