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

I first heard of it when Carnie Wilson had her surgery and I thought wow! I can do that!

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

It took a while, you just have to be patient!

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

I was really scared and didn't know what to expect, but Dr. Wernsing is great!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Rapidly gaining weight after losing my mother 3/2002

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 3 days. The pain was horrible after surgery, but they took care of me, even though I found out that I was allergic to morphine! Bring as little as possible, you won't need it and you won't care at that point you just want the pain and discomfort to go away.

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

None, just pain and discomfort.

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, but then the stress set in. But it soon went away from being excited!

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

I was out of work for 3 weeks. The first week was tough, very painful and uncomfortable, but it went away! Just be patient the pain will subside and you will love the outcome!

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

Hospital was very close to home

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 about 1 month and then I started to eat pureed foods and then solids within 2-3 months out. I eat just about everything now, except anything with sugar in it.

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

I walked a lot, but was weak for a bit.

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

I've tried so many. I can't tolerate them. I've taken Centrum kids chewables (sugar free, this the only vitamin I could take) several other multi vitamins, iron and calcium.

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?

Right now I'm having problems with hair loss. I really didnt dump too much after surgery just maybe once. I've thrown up due to eating too fast, only around 6 times or so.

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

Waiting for the surgery date to come!

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

I've been to Pennsylvania Hospitals support group as well as University of PA hospital's support group.

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

I had laproscopic surgery, so I have 4 tiny incisions.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None as of yet, thank god!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I just get a lot of compliments on how much weight I'm losing.