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

I first found out through Carnie Wilson over 3yrs. ago and had it in mind since then.

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

I have not had a problem with Oxford up to date.

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

I went into my meeting with previous knowledge of the surgery and the pre-op tests so that I could be prepared and get a date as soon as possible.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt that I had made peace with myself and the issues that revolved around the weight so all that was left was to get rid of it. I excepted that I could not do it alone and that there is no shame in that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted to have the most permenant surgery with the best results.

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 no fears at all. I felt that because of my young age and good health I was an ideal candidate for the surgery. My life philosophy gave me the strength and ability not to fear the future and whatever may come of it.

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?

I wish I could say they were supportive but for the most part they were scared and against it. My family felt I should "just stop eating and working out". One best friend was sad that we wouldn't be eating together and didn't want to talk about the details, the second best friend didn't believe I would do it uptill two days after the surgery. For the first 2 weeks my family was wonderful, attentive and loving. The third we I got sick and went to the ER just to be on the safe side, since then my family is trying to pretend that nothing happened or telling me to exercise all the time. My friends are ok but in general I feel that I'm doing this alone and that's fine.

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. My stay went well I shared my room with another RNY patient that I still communicate with today. Things you should definitly bring are some form of chap stick because the first day you can't have anything to drink and your lips will crack and slippers/flip flops because bathroom floors are never pretty.

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

6 weeks out I developed a Kidney stone, the worst pain ever. Also had to stop the iron pills (not over the counter pills) because of severe constipation

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 great, I ate like it was going out of style. One week prior I was getting stressed and started smoking after having quit for 9 months. I haven't had a smoke since surgery and I'm chalking up that week as a moment of weekness.

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

I have been home for 4 weeks. My first week was scary, I slept on a recliner and my family would take me for short walks around the neighborhood. Second week was better and I was taking walks alone, by the third week I was traveling in and out and all around NYC. I do get tired easily so I always have water and a snack with me and I don't rush to get anywhere to avoid the stress.

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

Not far, 20-30 min. driving distance

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.

In my second week I had an english muffin and 1/2 a banana that caused me to dump. Since that event I've only been eating what is on the standard menues. I do not eat meat or chicken so I eat fish every day and different beans with olive oil, vinegear, salt and onions. Off limits are sugar products and carbs, no bread (except wheat bread sticks), pasta or whole milk products.

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

I was driving 1 week post op, and walking all around. I'm not exercising yet but will be when I reach my 6week mark.

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

2 Flinstones, 1 B12 every other day,1 Citrical, 2 Actigul, 1 zantac

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've dumped 2 or 3 times and the cramping is severe, so severe that I don't mind the nausia/vomiting. I take 1/2 a vicatin when it happens becuase I can't take the pain.

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

The worst part as of 4 weeks was the first 4 days and all the pain sitting up and down. My first and only dumping was so painful that I went to the ER where I was throwing up and cramping for over six hours. 5/14/03- dumping because of the pain

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

I don't have any. I think its very important and necessary

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

I have 4 small scars, there red and narrow. I don't mind them at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Sometimes I go for 3/4 days without loosing anything. It's upsetting even though I know it doesn't mean a thing

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, but not because of my appearance, its because of my attitude