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

It was hell. I was so stressed out about it. Luckily I have the best friends and parents anyone could ask for. The helped alot. Don't let these insurance people get off easy. Make them do thier job. They are there to help you (if they want to or not). Keep calling and don't take no or an answer.

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

I learned alot before I went by researching on the internet. I knew most of the stuff before I went. That made it easier to follow. My first visit with the surgeon went good. I like the guy.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I ran out of other options. I am only 21 and I have been on every diet imaginable. From pills to starvation. It's not losing the weight, its keeping it off.

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?

If I die, then so be it. At least I would die knowing that I tried to make myself better. Sure I could die from the surgery, but I could die from being fat, or being struck buy lightning.

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?

They are so supportive and happy 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 reacted fine. Supportive. I told them the truth. Why hide it?

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

I was there from November 28, 2000 till December 1, 2000. It was as good as a stay in the hospital after majory surgery could be. Important things to bring...robe, slippers, chapstick.

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

No complications. Thank God.

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 happy. Then I was scared. I cried almost every week. I wrote letters to everyone just in case I died. then I tore them up thinking I might jinx myself. When the day finally cane, I was calm.

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

Pain...I had a lot of incisional pain. Sleep is so hard if you are not used to sleeping on your back. Eating is hard...still is.

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

St. Vincent Charity is only about 20 minutes away.

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.

First two weeks I ate nothing but pudding and jello, and protein shakes. Now I eat rice krispies and cheese. I drink milk all day long. I love milk.

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

First few weeks...all I did was sit around and do nothing. Now it's been about 4 weeks and I can go shopping and move around. Sleeping is much easire now.

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

I take two Centrum for kids vitamins. They are so nasty. Flintstones are much better tasting.

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 have dumped once so far off a banana. I couldn't sleep right for about 2 and a half weeks after surgery.

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

The pain in the incision.

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

None

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

My scar is big and pink. I love it and I am damn proud of it! I show it off as much as possible.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am about 3 months and two weeks post op. I have had one palteau so far. it lasted about two weeks. Pounds weren't coming off, but inches did!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think people treat me differently because I am much different now. I feel so much better about myself.