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

I heard about Carnie WIlson having the surgery right after she had it. I was very excited about it. I did LOTS of research about it before even making the appointment to talk to Dr. K.

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

My insurance company doesn't cover the surgery. I had to self pay.

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

I really liked my first visit with Dr. K. He was very nice and gave me lots of info. Showed me how long my incision would be.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After the fighting with my insurance company and them turning me down, I had given up. A few months later my grandmother informed me that they were going to pay for my surgery because they were concerned about my health. God love them!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really didn't have a choice. Open RNY was what I wanted and it 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 really kept a positive attitude about the surgery and I only thought about dying maybe once. I looked at it like this: the way my weight was going now, I wouldn't live much longer anyway and if I died then it was ok. Sounds bad, but that's how i kept my sanity and I think that is why I came thru everything so well

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 family and friends were very supportive. My other half took such good care of me and he still asks me every 5 minutes if I'm ok. I love him so much!! My family was great too. My grandparents paid for it. That was support enough!! My mom flew back from a trip for 5 days to be with me after surgery too. Everyone was great!!

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

Well, this is a weird one. My employer is my uncle!! He was not happy that I would be off work because my job is hard for someone to cover but they have done it. I told him that I was having the surgery and I would be back in about 2 and 1/2 weeks. I had 2 weeks of vacation coming so it wasn't too bad.

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

My hospital stay was as good as it could be for why I was there. The staff was great. I was there for 3 days. I brought lots of things that I really didn't need. I really didn't get to wear my bathrobe or slippers. I just brought a change of underwear and deoderant and toothbrush and toothpaste. They give you the bathroom stuff but it was nice to have my own.

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

No complications!!!!!

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 very excited and couldn't wait to get it overwith. The only real problem I had was sleeping a few nights before.

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

The only problem that I had is sleeping. My 2 weeks was just yesterday. The food is getting old but I just can't wait for April 1211 That's when I will be on real food again!!

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

I only live about 8 miles away.

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.

Well, it's only been 2 weeks. The first week was just broth, jello, water, and crystal light. I was so happy to get to my second week. I started out with pudding. I was sooooo excited to eat pudding. I'm not any further than that yet.

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

I was up walking all the time. The past week I have been going outside to walk since the weather hasn't been too bad.

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

Starting at one week I could have Bugs Bunny vitamins!!

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 problem I have had is sleeping and 2 weeks post op it's still here. Hopfully soon it will be better.

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

The worse part was getting in and out of bed in the hospital. That hurt!!!!!

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

I post on Spotlighthealth.com and get lots of emails back from people. It is great.

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

I don't know. I can't see a scar yet.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau the second week. I didn't lose anything!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No