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

My initial impression of it, when I was a young skinny teenager, was that it was a desperate and pathetic measure to take. After becoming fat myself, I realized it's not as easy to stay thin as you get older. I read in People magazine about Carnie Wilson and decided to talk to my PCP about it and he referred me to Dr. Cobean. I wasn't certain until I actually got place don the operating table that I was actually going to go through with it. It was the scariest decision I ever made but I'm so glad I made it.

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

My stay was difficult but that's because I had a roommate in a lot of pain. I felt pretty good immediately after the surgery. I was scheduled to spend 3 days but was released after 2.

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

No 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?

It was really difficult to sleep. I was sick everytime I ate for a few weeks but it wasn't as bad as I anticipated because I'd get naucious, throw up, and would feel fine until I ate again. I expected to have a constant naucious feeling.

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

Stick to the rules the doctor laid out for you and you'll be ok. Expect to be sick but eat slow and pay attention to what you're body is telling you. Don't take even one more bite if you feel any indigestion at all. I found that to be my queue that I had enough for one sitting.

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

Just a couple of miles.

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 could barely handle liquids at first. I found it very difficult to get my protein. After a few months though things became easier. I haven't tried sugar at all since the surgery other than once by mistake. I took some cough medicine without reading the ingredients first and was very sick for a few hours. This was only a few weeks ago. I eat a lot of beans now. I never liked them before but it's a great source of protein without a lot of fat and now I'm addicted to them. Being sick really sucks but you can keep that to a minimum if you just take things slow and pay attention to what your body is telling you. I haven't regretted my decision for a single minute!

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

I take four Tums each and every day plus a multivitamin. I take Iron and B-12 when I remember.

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?

The nausia and vomiting was the worst for me but it doesn't last forever. I became very good at throwing up quietly because I work in an office building. It was also difficult to try to eat in front of other people. I have a lot of business luncheons and so forth so it was awkward at first. Now if I get funny looks, I just say "hey, I use to be a size 24".

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

The nausia and vomitting.

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

I haven't gone to any support group although since I've had such a positive experience I really think I ought to go and see if I can help others. I may go to one next week.

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

My scars have faded and are barely noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think I've plateaud at this point. I'm a size 6 and my goal was a size 8. People are starting to give me grief about getting too thin but I haven't reached the "too thin" point yet. I can see me getting to a size 4 (after skin removal surgery) and still look and feel healthy.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definitely yes. Cars stop at crosswalks now, more doors are held open and I'm getting hit on again. I almost forgot what it felt like to notice people checking you out. It's a real ego boost. My husband's feeling a little more insecure these days but it's good for him!