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

Id heard of it many years ago, but heard horrible things about it. It was all misinformation. Then about the time i heard about Carnie Wilsons story, at an appointment my Dr. asked me if id ever considered it. I told him a little and agreed to see a surgon for more information on it.

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

I didnt have to go through this part, since i was fortunate enought to be able to have it done at our base hospital. All that i had to pay for was about 25 dollars for the room i stayed in.

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

My first appt. with a surgeon didnt go well, i was turned down, told to try to diet again and then maybe come back in 4 months. I was VERY upset with this so made another appt. for a second opinion. This Dr. was kind and asked me about previous attempts to loose weight. Wanted to know why i wanted the surgery, And explained the ups and downs to it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My children. Thinking if i didnt have it done that in 5 years id probably be dead. Scarry, but to the point.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

THis was the only option for me here.

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 excited and a bit scared the weeks and days til my surgery as most of us are. The day of my surgery, i was about to walk out the door to leave and panic set in BIG TIME! I cried when i got to the hospital and reconsidered my decision. I was told it was my turn to go in to surgery and i needed to get changed. I cried some more and about 30 mintues later, i told them i changed my mind and didnt want to have it done, i made a mistake. And tried to leave. They told me it was okay, that i should be sure about it before making a big life changeing decision like surgery. But they asked me to wait to talk to the DR. I did, but didnt want to, i just wanted to go home and eat something and go to bed. But i did. He came out and talked with me, he was very kind and wondered why it was that i changed my mind. I explained to him i was scared and was afraid to die. He told me it was normal, but that it was also more likely that id die in a car accident than with the surgery, and i REALLY needed to have it done. He said if i wanted to go home i could take all the time i want to think about it and in time if i changed my mind to let him know and hed do it at a later date. He was so very nice. I realized sitting there listening to him, he was right and that i just panicked. I went back in and got changed. They took me right down to surgery, i think before i could change my mind again...hahaha But he was very nice to still take me that day since i was scheduled for first thing in the morning and by then it was nearly afternoon.

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?

Well this is one hard thing. No one knows but my husband and his boss. I didnt tell anyone else and dont plan to. I dont want their critisism. Its my life and i have to do whats right for me and my children.

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

Well im a stay at home mom, so this wasnt a problem. My husband took a month off of work to help me out, so we told his boss, who 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 wonderful. The staff was great! I was doing so well that i went home 2 days afterwards. I think the most important thing to bring with you is a supportive family member. It IS hard the first couple days and you wonder "what the hell did i do this for?" But it gets better.

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

Luckily i didnt have any problems.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

It was tought the first couple weeks. i was sore but not as bad as i expected to be.

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

You need to change your life and habits. Its the hardest part of this all. But something we all need to do. Its not easy, if it was, we wouldnt be here right now.

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

I was only a couple miles from the hospital.

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 for me, ive been able to tolerate nearly everything i try. My problem is solids, they seems to get stuck on the way down and it hurts terribly! I go to see a Dr. for this next week. I have to restrict myself from sweets and certian foods, since my body doesnt seem to mind them...hehe...ive been doing a great job with it! (wish i could have done this years ago...haha)

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

It was slow, but hey i just had major surgery! It gets better and will as the weight comes off.

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

Ive been taking iron pills, chewable multi vitamins and drinking prtien drinks twice 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?

i didnt have any of the typical problems, but its still early and you never know whatll come up.

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

The lifestyle changes and habits.

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

none really here, but anything i need i can see a dr. for. I follow support groups online and have a freind next door who had the same surgery a few days after me that i can talk to.

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

Yes its what i expected. I hate it! But knew i would have it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Ive been on a plateau for about 4 weeks, and its killing me! I pray to break out of it soon. This is by far the worst part of the whole surgery process.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not yet. its early and cant really see any difference in me yet.