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

I first heard about bariatric surgery when I read an article about Carnie Wilson and her weight loss success. I thought she was absolutely crazy to go to such extremes and take such risks!

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

I went to the hospital early on a Thursday morning and had my surgery at 9:30 am that morning. I was released on Saturday afternoon. The personnel at the hospital were very nice and extremely supportive and helpful. They were very conscientious about managing my pain, which was nothing like I had expected. The first day was difficult, mostly because I couldn't drink anything and my mouth was so dry and I felt so very thirsty. But it passed and it was amazing how quickly you progress. The things that I would definitely take with me to the hospital? Reading material to pass time and distract you, a pillow from home, a very loose, comfy nighty of your own.

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

I was extremely lucky and blessed. I did not have any complications. Everything went very well for me.

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 like an emotional roller coaster. One day I would be excited and anxious, looking forward to it. The next day I would totally change my mind and want to back out. I almost did back out several times. During that last couple of weeks I was very bad about getting on the internet and reading everything I could get my hands on. It seemed like I migrated toward the negative. It didn't help matters. I just tried to stay focused on what brought me to the point I was at and why I made the decision to do it. The waiting is very hard. There is nothing you can really say to anyone else to help them with it. It is just something that I believe is going to naturally be there and you have to figure out how to deal with it in your own way.

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

The first two weeks were extremely difficult. I did a lot of crying and wishing I had not done it. The liquid diet takes a toll. Watching other people eat is hard. It is both emotionally and physically draining. For me the emotional aspects of it were the hardest. The pain was minimal and the recovery was surprisingly easy. The extreme change in the way you eat is hard. There is no magic pill to fix your mind and to battle the "head hunger". I wouldn't tell anyone it is easy, because it is not. But it passes. With each day it gets easier.

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

I only had to drive an hour to have my surgery.

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.

For the first two weeks I drank 1 ounce of liquids every 15 minutes. This was broth, cream soups, fruit juice, milk, carnation instant breakfast, sugar free jello, and sugar free pudding. After two weeks, I started eating regular food. I started out with soft foods and could only eat about two bites at a time. I at a lot of cottage cheese, chicken salad, tuna, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and eggs. But within a month, I was eating pretty much anything I wanted to. My diet has been pretty much the same since then. I can't eat anything high in fat or sugar. It makes me sick. If I eat too much I get nauseated. It doesn't take long to figure out that feeling of when you need to quit eating. I have some days where I can now eat a meal that measures about a cup full. But most days I can only eat about three bites at a time. I still eat cottage cheese. I put fruit in it that is packed in its natural juice. I can eat a whole sandwich if I cut off the crust. I eat about 3/4 of a Lean Cuisine. I can't eat a lot of meat. It fills me up very quickly. I eat protein bars, but can usually only eat 1/2 of a bar at a time. I eat most everything that I cook for my family... spaghetti, chicken, beef stew, etc. I just can't eat very much at a time. My saving grace has been Gatorade Propel water. It has a little flavor in it, but is very low in calories and is vitamin enhanced. It's easier for me to drink than just plain water. I also drink unsweetened tea with sweetener in it and crystal light.

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

I started walking a week after surgery. I did that until my six month mark. Now I joined the gym and I work out five days a week. I do aerobics and weight training. It is a huge help with the way I feel and keeping up the weight loss.

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

Ever since my surgery I have been taking two chewable Flintstones vitamins daily. They are easy for me to swallow and digest.

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 had hair loss, but luckily my hair was thick before my surgery so I am not bald. It is still shedding seven months into it, but it seems to be slacking off. That has been pretty scary. I get nauseated very easy and that is hard. My doctor gave me a nausea medicine that helps with it. I have never slept better than I have since this surgery. That has been such a plus! I am lucky... I only had dumping one time. It is horrible and doesn't take but one time to make you realize that eating the wrong things isn't worth it. The problem with that is that everyone has different things that are wrong for them. My doctor says it is trial and error. I have tried to stick with what I know works and not experiment too much.

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

I haven't attended any support groups, but I am going to my first one next week. I think it is important to have support and a network of people that you can get info from. I haven't taken the time to do this, and I know it will help.

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

I have eight very small scars on my stomach that have healed nicely. They are pink and noticeable, and I couldn't care less. What a small price to pay for getting my life back!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was losing weight really fast for the first six months. I am a little over seven months now and it is slacking off. This worries me because I am so afraid I won't lose all my weight. I am hoping that working out will help. Others have told me that it will slow down and that this is normal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, yes, yes !! I have mixed feelings about it. Before the surgery I had this fear that people would treat me differently and then I would question their true feelings for me. It's hard to deal with sometimes because I know that I am the same person, thin or fat. On the other hand, the attention makes you feel good about yourself and what you have accomplished.