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

Carnie Wilson had hers done and that started my research.

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

I went in on a Monday and was home by Thursday afternoon. I brought books which I never read. The most important thing to me wash chapstick and a fan. It was very warm in the room. And when I stopped taking the pain meds I did nothing but sweat..

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

None what so ever

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 to say other than being a little sore I felt great. I went in thinking the worst and it couldn't have went any better.

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

To be tired. I was tired of eating the same food all the time. But you have to let your pouch heal.

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

30 minutes

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 couldn't eat a lot of heavy foods like steak and chicken. I tried pasta and that didn't work out so much. I just took it one step at a time. Now I can pretty much eat anything.

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

Slow! I followed my doctors orders and didn't start exercising until about six weeks out. I would walk but that was about it.

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

Multi with Iron, Biotin, and calcium

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 would have to say the hair loss was the worse thing. I had so much hair and it was all over the house the tub was the worse. It would come out in handfuls. That lasted about four months and it is all growning back.

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

I would honestly say nothing. It changed my life for the best. I don't even think about the surgery anymore. I can eat whatever I want and I have this great tool that lets me know when it is time to stop eating and I have to say I listen to it just about every time cause if I don't it will let me know.

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

My best friend had surgery too and we talk about our experience but we don't dwell on it. We are so for removed from it now we just live normal lives.

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

My scar honestly doesn't bother me a bit. My doctor calls it my badge of courage and that's the way I feel about it. I don't let it dictate who I am and what I did to save me life. It is a reminder of where I came from and what I don't want ot go back to.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had one right after surgery that lasted about three weeks. I thought that was the worst. I was expecting one but not that soon after surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I don't think I have changed. I just didn't put myself out there like I do now. I let people know how I feel about things. I won't let people walk all over me. I choose to be around people who make me happy and not judge me or compare themselves to me. That is not why I had this surgery I did it to save my life and live life like I want to live it.