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

I found out about Gastric Bypass when Roseanne first had hers. I remember it was when her talkshow was on the air. She even had her doctor on discussing it. I remember thinking... if only I could do that. Back then.. it was all self pay. I would think about it every time it was in the news. One day in June 2001, my mother called me and said "Did you know insurance pays for WLS????"...that was all it took!!!!

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

My hospital stay was great for a hospital. I was very much at ease with the staff and the facilities. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I spent the first night in ICU and the other 4 in a private room. The hosptial makes every attempt to confort you and entertain you. It had movies on demand, webTV, and countless channels you'd never find at a hospital!! As far as bringing things, I say don't worry about it so much. That is what my family was there for.... if I needed it... they brought it!

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

As anyone who's read my profile knows, I've been dealing with a wound for about 4 months now. It's been a persistant little thing. I don't want to address the whole situation again. It just brings me down; however, I have to keep my head up. That's the only way to deal with a disheartening situation. I also kept focused on my weight loss! I may have a problem, but when else could I lose 80 pounds in 4 months!?!?!?!?

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 horribly nervous before my surgery. The weird thing was all the emotions that were mixed throughout those weeks. I would go from excited and overwhelmed to scared and freaked out! It's a whole bag of feelings. Luckly I only had 2 weeks between my approval and my surgery date!

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

The first few weeks are filled with learning. Learning the new you..physically. You'll learn your limitations in things from walking, sitting, standing, and of course eating/drinking. You'll spend all the time thinking about when to take a vitamin, a protien drink, etc... Just know that's the way it is!

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

I only traveled about 10 miles to the hospital. The ride home was unbearable though. I realized how bad the roads are here in Virginia!

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 two weeks... all liquids. Water, Juice, Ensure and suger free popcycles. 2-4 weeks... purued foods, baby food, soups 4-6 weeks....chicken, turkey, and soft fruits and veggies 6-8 weeks... beef, pork, fish, etc... 8 weeks and beyond... anything your new little tummy can tolerate!

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

My activity level climbed everyday. Everyday I was able to do something I couldn't before... most of it where little things we take for granted.... like picking something up off the floor!

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

One multivitamin a day, a B-12 supplement, Iron, Calcium, and a Stool Softener!

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 am lucky in the fact that I haven't had to deal much with those things. I have only overeaten twice, but they were the worst two experiences of my life!! I can get a little nauseas, but for the most part it never bothers me!

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

The WAITING!!!!!!

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

Well because of my complication I have been homebound through most of my recovery. I have needed and used all of the online support I can get. I am a member of many online support groups and it has helped tremendously. Whenever I have a question there is always someone there to help!!

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

The scar was terrible the first time around. It was huge and ugly. Because of the wound issue, I had to have another surgery where he went in a removed my old scar. I'm only a week out of that surgery, but I'm hoping it'll be much nicer than the first!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had plateaus off and on since my surgery. When I get them, I just try not too get discouraged. They happen to everyone. Just up your protien, and drink more water. Excersice a little more... and eventually it'll give!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't know them treating me differently. Most people won't treat you like crap to your face, but I have noticed a lot less stares and a lot less pointing.