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

Carnie Wilson.... Who else. I at first said no way. But following her progress and researching it and talking to people have turned it into yes way!!!

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

I didnt even have to wait they did the surgery and then turned it in to my insurance. It was all paid but $300

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

He was very funny and sweet, caring and I could tell he was a christian and that helped me alot

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live to see my children grow up, and I was so tired of being so tired and hurting inside and out.

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

I loved the nurses they were very caring and I felt secure there. I just took a gown that zipped down the front and house shoes and a brush and that is all that I needed they took care of all the rest. Thanks alot to a wonderful staff at Crestwood Medical Center.

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

No

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 felt tired and hopeful but I felt even better when I went to my first visit and found I had lost over 30 pounds

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

Learning what you can eat and most important what you cant. Finding an appetite to eat at all

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

From arab alabama to huntsville al I am not sure how far

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 cannot eat very much sugar at all. grease no mountain dew.

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

I was tired for a while then I could do more and more. Now I am being tested more by homeschooling my ten year old son. He is a handful and it is all on me but I love it.

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

Flintstone Vitamins for awhile and now I take Centrum liquid. Also Nectar Road side Lemonade protein drink

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?

HAIR LOSS. Still having it (5 months out) Just glad my hair was really thick to begin with

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

None

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

Long and dark. Pretty much what I had expected seice i had open RNY

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far. I am averaging arounf 28 pounds per month

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Complements and smiles and looking like "WHO LET THE AIR OUT OF YOUR HINEY" LOL