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

I heard about Carnie Wilson's story and investigated it from that point thru the internet.

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

I really did not have very much of a problem with getting insurance approval. Dr. Snyder's office staff was real good about keeping on top of the insurance company to get things done as soon as possible. He also encourages you to keep an active role in the approval process. My best suggestion is to stay on top of them. The squeaky wheel gets the grease so to speak.

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

My surgeon was excellent. He is a very motivated and knowledgeable person. I did not have to keep the conversation alive because he was so busy asking all the appropriate questions. He offers a lecture once a month which I found real helpful pre-op. I think this should be required before anyones surgery. You go into it much more informed and you also learn alot about your doctor this way.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had beed thru so many diets and failed. My children got married this past year and all I could think about the entire time is going on the way that I was I would never live to see my grand children. My health was failing and it also was causing alot of depression.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was lucky in that respect as my doctor does only the open proceedure.

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 always looked at it this way, I stood a better chance of dying being over weight than I did having surgery. The surgery would actually increase my life span and the quality of my life as well. My daughter however was quite concerned with the death factor. Having her talk with my doctor openly and ask the questions she felt necessary I think is what put her mind at ease. She is very pleased with my decission now.

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?

Most of my family was very supportive about my decision. My husband stood by my side thru every test and ever consultation. Like I stated before my daughter was the only one with apprehensions and those were put to rest with talking to my doctor.

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

My employer and fellow workers were excited for me. There were one or two that had concerns, but once I returned to work and so quickly they all have been very supportive of my recovery period. They constantly ask (daily) how are you doing, how much have you lost and so on. My boss knew from the beginning what was happening and why, and has been very supportive. I know other places that I have worked would not have been so supportive.

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 about 5 days. This included the day of surgery. I don't think that there is to much for you to be concerned with brining. Just the normal toiletries and clothing. I did however have my husband bring up a body pillow, because I liked the support it gave my stomach when I was sleeping, and also when I was doing my breathing and coughing exercises.

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

I had a real good experience with surgery. I left the hospital on Friday and was back to work on the following Tuesday. I had no problems at all. At three months post op I still have not had any real problems. I feel better than I have in a long time.

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 really anxious when I found out the I had been approved. Then they uped my surgery date about a week and that is when the am I doing the right thing questions started. I just reminded myself that the end results and the knowledge of my surgeon would make everything alright.

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

I did not spend alot of time at home because I went right back to work. The best advise that I could give anyone is to listen to what your doctor tells you and follow his instructions to the letter. He knows best.

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

The hospital that I had surgery at is very close to where I live. Within 30 minutes at most.

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 three weeks post-op I was on a total liquid diet of protein shakes and water. After three weeks I was put on pureed foods and soft foods. This included egg beaters, cottage cheese and anything that you could or wanted to put in a blender was fair game. I did however stay away from fatty foods and fiberous foods. I tried to keep it high protein. At six weeks I will be starting regular foods in small bites and amounts. I started my regular diet and that is when things became real interesting. I found that I could no longer tolerate some spices. I like everyone else I am sure did try to push to much and experiences the vomiting. Believe me when I say you will hopefully only do this once.

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

I am now 3 months post op and feeling great. I got to ride my horse for the first time in 2 years this past weekend. I can't tell you how exciting that was for me.

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

I take 4 sugar free childrens chewables a day. I also take a vitamin B-12 daily.

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 had a little bit of sleep problems. It seems that I had a hard time sleeping. I think this was due to the anesthesia as it passed real fast. Other than that I had no problems. I feel real lucky as I really have not had any bad side effects to speak of. My hair is falling out a little bit but I am not sure that this is not normal shedding.

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

The waiting to get it done.

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

I will be going to a support group offered by my doctor that starts tomorrow. This I believe will be offered twice monthly. I feel this is very important not only to discuss what is going on with others that have had this surgery but also to keep you motivated.

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

The scar is no different than what I thought it would be. A little sorer perhaps but it is healing real well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of yet. I hit my first plateau this past 2 weeks. I plan on increasing my exercise and watching my protein intake closer.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet