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

I was scared, I thought, you have to be pretty low to have to do something so drastic. I was that low, but I never knew anyone that had it done other than Carnie Wilson. I didn't have Carnie Wilson money.

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

I went through Aetna at first, called to see if they would cover it. Then after meeting with my surgeon, doing what my Dr. ordered, I called them back only to hear, someone told you wrong, we don't cover that surgery. So, from Feb. 07 to May 07, I was lost and broken hearted. Then a job offer came up and I went to the insurance meeting they had and found they were going with Keystone Health Plan East and they cover the surgery, so I took the job and started the ball rolling. I called my surgeon back in Aug. 07 and by Sept.07 I was approved to have surgery Oct. 1, 2007.

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

I went the day after a ice storm, I was alone for the lecture, we shook hands and got started. He spoke for 90 minutes and it was the 90 minutes that changed my life. When the lecture was over he sat with me and talked to me more to find out what I wanted. He listened and heard all that I said. By the time we ended the conversation, he made me feel like I can do anything. We hugged and that was the start of our friendship. That is what I call it. I don't know if that is what everyone would feel but I know I got the most out of it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My son who is five told me I was too big.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Someone had the surgery and I saw the 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?

Life is a gamble, I know that is corny, but it is true, you have to decide, die having a heart attack or something fat related, or taking the chance at a better life? I choose life.

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 met it with negativity. Even now 75 pounds lighter, I am getting the jealous, negative vibes. My surgeon, my support group and some friends that have gone through this make it easy for me.

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

They all supported me, my co-workers have been awesome. I was out for a week, they helped me to come back sooner than later.

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

My stay was okay, I had a problem with a resident that knew me telling people we knew about the surgery and a evil Dr. that came in a ripped bandages off without telling me what he was doing. I called him Rocket Ramano. I was there for 3 days, Dr. Schuricht came to see me when he could. Bring a positive attitude and faith, you will need it.

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

The only problem I have is hair loss and I think that is from the lack of protein...I am sick of the shake but I need to drink it.

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 like I was a lottery winner. I was nervous for my son and hubby, but not myself. I was willing to do whatever it takes.

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

The first few weeks are the hardest. Getting used to not being able to eat soild food, not being able to drink what you like, I missed being able to drink a tall glass of water. It was so hard, but you have to trudge on, as soon as the weight started to drop off, I didn't mind. You will have regrets for the first month or so, but it is so worth the pain...mentally, none physically.

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

The hospital and my surgeons office is 15 minutes away from my house. It didn't affect my aftercare at all.

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 was on a liquid diet for a month, then to pureed food, then soft food, now I am trying regular food in tiny portions. No sugar, no fried foods, no carbonated drinks, there are a lot of "no"s, your nutritionist will tell you all you need to know. I used to be able to eat shellfish, but I can't now, it maybe too soon.

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

At the beginning, I was really tired, I don't know if it was the meds from the surgery still in my system or what, but I guess the second day home, I was feeling a bit of cabin fever, so I went out, I wasn't on the percoset, so I was able to drive. I went to work to pick up my check. After that, I walked alot cause that is what they wanted me to do. I was fine and back to work with new energy. I work in daycare so I was able to play with the kids more.

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

I take multivitamins, calcium, folic acid, vitamin B-12

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?

Hair loss was the worst, I did feel nausea when I started with the soft solids, but that eased up, I do still get a bit sick every now and then. Usually when I drink before my half hour is up.

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

The waiting for approval is the worst and waiting to see my surgeon...LOL. That is it honestly.

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

I go to the support group that Pennsylvania hospital offers. I really look forward to them, and when I miss them, it is like the end of the world. I just feel horrible. It is like standing up my friends. I love going and seeing people who have been through it and those that are just starting out...just having people to talk to make it so much easier to deal with.

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

After the first week, 2 out of 6 wounds were healed. One that fell right on my line where my clothes sit was a bit longer to heal, but they are all healed up nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

On November 4th, I walked my first mile, without huffing and puffing, or sitting, it was a breeze...a month out. Then that same day, my hubby suggested to go to the Wildlife Perserve, we walked three more miles and I wanted to walk more, when I got home and looked at my pedometer that my husband bought me, I walked 10,476 steps...I went nuts, I couldn't believe it!!! Nicole who drives to the neighbors house 4 doors down walked 4+ miles. That was a change in my life.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, and it makes me so so very angry. I am the same me, just thinner. Why are you being so nice to me now, why are you now listening to what I have to say? My voice is the same. Why are you smiling everytime you see me? Why are you inviting me to go out more? Yeah, I see the difference. Now, I get to snub. I know it is bad but it is what it is...revenge!!