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

I had read about Carnie Wilson. Then a girl I knew had it done and I was lie...wow, this is what I need. But, I continued to eat and eat until my doctor was like, you have 6 months. That's it, six months and you will be dead if you don't move on this.

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

I had a ton of issues with insurance. I had to wait a year. I was so upset. BUT, in the end, it is so worth it!

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

It was odd. He wanted to see me with out clothin? WHAT? No way. But, he made me feel totally comfortable, like he did care about me and what I had become. Listen to what they say. Theya re there to help, not to offend you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My doctor telling me i have sixth months tops and I would be dead.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was never any question with me.

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 had some complecations. I had never had surgery, so it was all odd to me. I was allergic to the morphine. I didn't know. I never had it. Well, they had to put tubes in my nose and throat and they called my family in. My husband just cried as I was strapped to the bed and couldn't talk. I was so scared. I was scared. You have to be certain this is what you want. You must research and you must have faith in yourself.

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. They knew that I needed help and if this was my decision, then so be it. THey were behind me 110%. They are all still supportive. Never a day goes by that someone isn't like....wow, you did it and you are doing great!

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

My boss also had the surgery so she was totally supportive. We still are supportive of one another keeping tabs and checking to make sure the other is ok. I was only out one month. I was still when I went back to work, but I was ok after being there. It was a change from being at home watching tv.

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

My hospital stay was ok. I didn't care for all the nurses, but do you always? I was there five days....even with complications. I took all kinds of things and I didn't need anything.

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

Yes, I was allergic to Morphine and I became unresponsive. No fault of anyones. I had never had surgery, so I had no idea.

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 so sore for about 4 weeks. Then the 5th week was like it never happened. I did have a lot of anxiety. But, you tell yourself that this is what is best for you.

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

The first few weeks were tough. You can't do things by yourself: shower, going to the bathroom etc. Everyone can eat but you. It is tough.

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

I only travelled about 10 miles.

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 had no problems really with anything. NOW I do. I have a tough time with any meat, OJ and sometimes fruit.

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

Afte the surgery all I wanted to do was sleep. Now I am up to walking a few miles a day!

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

B12, multi vitamin.

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 do have hair loss, but it is starting to fade. It has been about three months. I thought...oh, not me, I won't have hair loss. Boy eas I wrong. It freaked me out, but I am ok now. It is starting to fade!

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

Not being able to sit and eat a meal. I get frustrated because I want to have a meat, a starchand a veggie and it doesn't work like that. You must be 100% dedicted!

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

I have my family. They are more support then I could ever ask for!

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

I have 5 mini scares. They are really no big deal. I never planned on wearing a bikini, so no issues here!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, people treat me the same. People that are true friends will love you no matter what.