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

I first heard about it through Carnie Wilson's story and was a little hesitant, and thought it was drastic, and was concerned. But, between this site and reading about Carnie's story, I was well informed and very enthusiastic. I researched it for about a year. Really read just about everything on this site, saved all of the Carnie stories, talked to people that had it, went to a support group. Only when I knew that this was what I wanted did I go and see the surgeon. My first impressions of the surgery was that it was drastic, and what would I do if I could never eat another donut! Honestly, I was more concerned about not being able to eat then any side effects. I couldn't care less if my hair all fell out, I was just worried about that donut! But, I came to a conclusion that I ate all the food one could possibly want for the last 27 years and I didn't want to live like this anymore. I couldn't care if all of my hair fell out, I would rather be bald and thin! Now, I am not really scared. A little nervous, because I don't like anesthesia, but other than that, not bad. I have gotten ready, my surgery is tomorrow, I have everything ready, and most importantly my head.

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 very easy time with my insurance company. The only thing I would suggest, is getting a copy of all of your records from any doctor you went to for a consultation, or bloodwork, or anything, so if you need to send it to your surgeon, they will have it that day and send it to your insurance company. I had a problem with one doctor giving me a hard time about releasing my notes, and I could have dealt with it much sooner.

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

Dr. Singh was wonderful. As soon as he came in, I felt comfortable. He sat down, and just listened to my questions and concerns. Then, he explained everything to me and asked if there was anything else he could explain. People can get the most out of the meeting by being prepared. Find out all the information about the surgery ahead of time. Find out about the kind of surgery you want..Laproscopic, Open, and why. Find out about the type..Roux en y, vertical band..and why also. Then present those to your surgeon and see what he says. I was completely prepared by talking to a patient of his, and through the ObesityHelp.com website. I had a full binder of information, and had questions prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided I was too young to be this unhealthy and I did it for my nephews. I want to be able to do things with them, and have fun without being out of breath. And I don't want to be their fat aunt. I finally made my decision based on all the people in the website I talked to and how comfortable I was with my surgeon.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had found out about Carnie Wilson's surgery a while ago, and was following that. Then, I spoke to a few more people that had the same procedure. I liked the reinforcement the roux en y gave me because I was a sugar eater. And I wanted something permanent. Then, I looked up the different kinds on ObesityHelp.com and found out all the information I needed.

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 fears about dying, but had decided that if I let myself go like this, I could die anyway. I wasn't that heavy...yet. But, I already had health problems, and was so uncomfortable. I thought that if I couldn't be healthier, feeling better, and thinner, then I didn't want to live the rest of my life the way I was anyway. I also realized that the percentage of death from these operations is so small..less than 1%, that I probably had a higher chance of dying in a car accident, or any other kind of accident.

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 hesitant about my decision at first. But, I brought them the binder I made from the pages of ObesityHelp.com and showed them what the surgery does, and why, and then showed them the before and after pictures. They were really surprised and very supportive after that. I didn't need to, or wouldn't have to communicate anything differently. Everyone was wonderful about my surgery..family, co workers, friends. I was very open about my choice, and shared it with everyone, and they were supportive back. I only had a few that still thought it was a bad choice ( skinny ones that thought I could just diet), and I just told them that this was my life, my choice and I had made it, and that this was what I was going to do. They finally came around too and told me they supported me.

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

I didn't tell my boss until I almost had my surgery date. I wasn't going to tell her until I did have the date, but she heard people talking about me and my surgery. She was very nice after that. I got off 6 weeks paid from work. I had to put my surgery off for a few weeks to get the full 6 weeks, but I decided it was worth it and it was. My boss was very nice and even called me in the hospital to see how I was.

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

I was only in the hospital for 2 days after my surgery. I went in and had my surgery on Wednesday morning, and left by Friday at 5 pm. I was very glad to have my toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and my own body wash. It was also nice to have a fresh set of pajamas to change into after I finally got to shower. I also brought slippers to wear on my walks. I brought books, and cds and a cd player, but really didn't even bother with them.

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

No, I didn't have any complications.

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 anxious, but not too badly. I had a lot of support from family. I spent time with my family and doing things to prepare myself for surgery..talked to people, went to support group, read information.

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

The first few weeks are the toughest. The first few days, I was uncomfortable. I was sore, and I was very tired. It was frustrating because I couldn't eat, and I wanted to eat so badly!! It is very important to have support during this time. It is very emotionally draining. You lose so much weight in the first few weeks, and your body is trying to adjust. Take time to do things slowly, pamper yourself. You will need it. But, don't give up. It get so much better!!

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

I didn't travel.

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 still cannot drink milk. It makes me dump badly. I can't eat reheated meat. It doesn't digest and I end up vomiting. I don't eat a lot of vegetables with skin- corn, beans, etc,..because they seem to be hard to digest. Other than that, I really don't have problems with a lot of foods. I can eat a whole lot of things!!

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

I couldn't do a lot in the first few weeks after surgery. I did walk, a little every day and it really helped with the healing. But, no long distances. Just a few short walks, or around the block. Slowly my energy levels increased and the more weight I lost, the more energy I had.

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

I now take a calcium citrate, B12, and a 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 really didn't have many side effects. I still vomit every now and then, but it isn't bad at all. It is really a relief to get up whatever didn't settle well. It doesn't hurt, or burn or have that awful taste because of the lack of gastric juice. I lost some hair, but it was all over, so it wasn't really noticeable. The dumping is the toughest, and it has only happened a few times. But, I really hate that. It's just a weird sensation. Kind of like spinning around in a circle for a while. You feel dizzy, lightheaded and like you are going to be sick. I just try to stay away from the things that really make me dump.

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

My scars are much smaller and much less visible than I expected. I have 4 visible scars. I had the laproscopic. Three of them are about 2-3 cm long and are now light pink. They are really not very visible at all. The fourth is in my belly button, and you wouldn't know it unless I showed you.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have hit a plateau a few times since surgery. I usually started losing again once I increased my protein and took the sugars back out of my diet. I've been on a plateau for a while now..and it's frustrating but I know what I need to do to start losing again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely. I have men opening doors for me, and women being nicer. I have people that would never have paid me any attention talking to me. When I order food, I don't get the looks like I used to. And I can actually eat without feeling insecure.