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

Found out by hearing a news story. Was scared as hell!!!! Thought, "I'll never do that!". And now I am truly on my way to happiness, at last!!!!!!

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

NO problems at all. Handed them my card at the office and that was it.

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

Come informed and with lots of questions. Dr. Schreiber answered everything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided on the surgery because it was either the surgery or a heart attack. Thought the odds looked better with the surgery. Besides, I was sick and tired of feeling like crap, mentally and physically.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

An open RNY was all that was offered.

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 was absolutely certain I was going to die during surgery. I thought that maybe this was "my time" to go. I wrote letters to my family. Even though I had every confidence in Dr. Schreiber, and the odds were on my side, it was hard to face the possibilities of coplications of surgery. This was compiled by the fact that I am a nurse and hear all kinds of horror stories.

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?

My husband was very supportive. I did not tell my children. Told them I had a "boo boo" that needed to be fixed. They are too young to understand. I didn't tell my mother about the surgery until one week post-op. My father died 6 yrs. ago, following lung surgery and I didn't want to worry her, as she gets physically upset with worry. I regret doing that, because I am sure I will be reminded for the rest of my life that I did not include her. But, I still feel my decision was the correct one. I think she was more upset that I didn't give her the opportunity to worry!!!!!

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

Did not tell anyone at work. This was a personal decision. Besides, you know how woman talk!!!!

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

Stay in the hospital was not that bad. I am a nurse and know how I treat my patients. I was not exactly treated as I would treat someone. Felt that the nurses seemed to be unavailable some of the time. Had to use my call button several times before it was actually answered. It may have just been a busy time, but to me, each patient should feel like they are a priority, regardless. To the woman, bring shampoo, sanitary pads ( you will get your period no matter when you had it last!!!), and any other personal comforts.

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

NONE!!! Whoo hoo!!!!!!

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 have felt wonderful. So wonderful in fact that I thought maybe he didn't actually do the surgery on me!!!! I have been to SpotlightHealth.com ( a wonderful site regarding Carnie Wilson and the surgery. Has a message board and was very informative) and a lot of people have been vomiting, unable to eat, sick and tired. I noticed that most of the people that felt great were the ones that had my doctor. I stopped all pain meds 5 days post op. Went shopping for 6 hours 10 days post-op and have tons of energy.

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

First night home was the hardest. I got home on a Thurs. night about 8 pm. ( I had my surgery on MON.). I had a hard time finding someplace to sleep or sit. Everything seemed to be too low to the ground and it hurt to get up. I even called the doc early the next day because I thought that I would not have enough pain meds to last the weekened. I was wrong. I took my last dose early Sat. morn and have had none since.

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

25 miles. No affect

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 was told to puree food for the first 4 weeks post-op. I am going to be starting my 4th week. I have had no problems with any food. I have had pureed soup, creamed chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, chili, beef stew (tasted great, home made). I tried pureed tuna with diet mayo, one word: DON'T!!!!! It's gross. Have had not one problem. Even pureed a crab cake!!!! Miss guzzling water, though. Can only take 2 sips at a time.

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

Boundless energy. Feel great!!!

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

Flinstone vitamins with iron, carafate and pepcid ac

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?

Have had only one time where it felt like something got "stuck" and it was totally my fault. I tried to chew a piece of beef from my soup, instead of pureeing it. I wont do that again!!

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

the pain the first few days and not being able to move around as much.

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

have a support meeting once a month. Haven't started that yet.

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

My scar extends from just under the middle of my breasts to just above my belly button. It's much better than the scar of ugly fat I have been toting around.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet. 37 lbs. lost in 3 1/2 weeks

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, my husband. He is just reacting to my happiness. Things have been so nice. He says he is so happy seeing me happy. Never thought I'd hear him say "hey, should'nt you be eating something?". My 2 girls have been very helpful and loving.