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

Friends, TV personalities....

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

It was easy, no problems because I fit the morbid obesity description by a mile.

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

Write down your questions as yu think of them!!!!! I can't stress this enough. I can't tell you how helpful this was for me. I often saw that I forgot I had certain questions, I still wanted answers, I was so glad. You will love me for this.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't take it anymore, being trapped, I mean.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It seemed to make the most sense for me. I truly believe everyone is different and you have ot do your homework and ask many questions to figure out what surgery will be the best fit for your life.

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?

Everything, if there was a single complication, I was afraid of it. But if I allowed that fear to paralyze me, I would always be so miserable. I had to get to the drastic measure, or die trying, not die being fat and miserable. I preferred to die trying to fix it.

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 freidns were accusative, judgmental, called me lazy and the queen of the short cut and easy fix. It has been 8 years since my surgery and they are the same today as they were back then. I have lost 120 lbs. and kept it off, they tell me how great I look and everything, but it is there still, the judgments.

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

Didn't have an employer, I was laid off 4 weeks before my surgery. It was really pretty good timing. I do however regret that I had to settle for a large scar open procedure because the laproscopic procedure would put me past the expiration of my insurance. That is the one thing I dont like, that scar, but it is worth it and I would do it again.

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

5 days, ok really... the pain was hideous and they had to up me to demerol vs. morphine, but I survived. Bring a good book, you will be bored. ipod, a necessity if you have an annoying room mate.

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

Just the pain, had to switch drugs.

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 excited not anxious, so there really wasn't much ion the way of anxiety. I couldn't wait, to be honest.

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

It is tough, breaking up with eating, the fat melting off and your clothes begin to fall off. The consulation that you finally get what you have wanted for so long makes food so insignificant, you hardly miss it after a few weeks.

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

Well, I went all the way to San Diego, I have truly only had one follow up. BUT! My PCP does quarterly blood work on me to make sure I am all good.

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.

Truthfully, I stuck to the list they gave me at my prep appointments. There are no secrets going in, they warn you about everything, and if any of it makes you uncomfortable, it may not be your answer. Now, I eat what I want and feel very in control. I know I can have 2 bites of ice cream, I know 3 will make me sick, so I am happy with 2. Especially when I go slink into my low rise belly baring Diesel jeans. Not Lane GIANT- not sears, DIESEL! Lucky, 7 for all mankind.... IT is all in my closet now.

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

OOOhh, I was pretty sore, but committed to my recovery. I moved as much as I could and within a couple years, I started this awesome thing, coaching all my kids soccer teams, and I am addicted to it!!! Like crack!!! But way better because I am the hot skinny mom now, running with the kids and having a better time then them!

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

I don't really believe in them, I believe in a wholle foods diet. So, I eat a lot of raw, non processed food. The basic rule, "if it didn't grow that way, scrutinize it heavily." That isn't to say I don't eat breads, pastas, or cheeses, but small amounts and time to time. Moderation is my new life and my metabolic panels look awesome.

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 followed the rules and didn't really experience any of that. Coming homw and trying solids was a bit uncomfortable, but I took it slow and was patient about it. Never lost any hair, which I did worry about, and slept just fine.

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

My judgmental friends and family, and waiting for it.

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

I haven't, sorry!

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

It is big, I knew it going in, but didn't have the option to wait for laproscopic. In retrospect, it really doesn't bother me a lot.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well, about a year post op I had reached 150 lbs down from 255. I stayed there until I began coaching my kids soccer teams. I am now 140 but 2 sizes smaller, my tight jeans are size 7-8.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh for sure. I like it much better being the gorgeous hot chic rather than the fat girl with a pretty face, such a shame.