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

The Carnie Wilson story. I was very interested but I was very afraid of altering my body in such a way.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. I had a good experiance and had no problems with the surgery. Bring loose fitting clothing and chapstick. My lips were so dry.

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

None

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 lousy and there were more times I can count that I cried and aid Why did I do this? I was depressed about the amount of food and that foods I loved didn't taste the same anymore. The lack of energy was depressing. BUt as time passed things got better.

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

Don't try and push yourself. Let your body heal. You just went through major surgery. Relax and learn and listen to your body.

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

30 minutes from home. It didn't affect my care at all.

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.

The first 2 weeks were clear liquids. By the time I went for my check up I was begging for something with texture. I had a scrambled egg and you would have thought it was filet mignon.Mashed potatoes oatmeal soft stuff.After the soft food phase(I think that was week 3&4)I was encouraged to try any foods I wanted.2 chicken nuggets and mozerella stick was my start.That was the only chicken I could tolerate at the time. I had no problems with beef or pork Although hamburger didn't taste good and still doesn't now.I had a hard time with pasta. I dumped shortly after eating it. I can eat it now in very small amounts.

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

I had no energy. I had surgery in July and finally went back to Curves in October. The exercise helped perk me back up.

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

Centrum vitamin, sub-linguil B-12.Prevacid and my Thyroid med although since surgery my dosage has needed to be decreased.

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 started at 6 months and lasted about 2 1/2 to 3 months. I luckily had a lot of curly thick hair so no one but my husband and I noticed. Dumping was bad and I still have it on occasion when I haven't eaten properly. Too many carbs,sugars etc.

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

The post-op pain and depression.

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

We have a group taht meets monthly and it's very informative. Things thta you would'nt even think of that could be helpful to you such as new recipes new proteins etc. The support is excellent and your in a room full of people who know what your going through.

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

My scar is from chest bone down to almost navel and is thin and white not too bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I recently hit my first plateau at 11 months out. Then after four weeks all of a sudden I lost 5 lbs. I have to admit Ipanicked and got a little depressed because I have 40-50 lbs. to go and I thought this was it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I'm not invisible anymore. People wait on me and hold doors open.