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

I first heard about it when the media was all hyped up on Carnie Wilson. I thought is was AMAZING how good she looked. Funny thing is that I didn't really consider it until I was almost 70 lbs heavier. I had NO IDEA that I could've gotten it sooner!

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

Everything was documented well, and I had an AWESOME letter written from my PCP. So, I had NO problems. I was approved w/o having to fight/appeal it. My advice? DO NOT GIVE UP!!

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

Exciting!! I had to do all the weighing, pictures, vitals...blah blah blah... The doc looked over my info & examined me. He told me right away that, as far as his end, I was approved & would be getting it done laproscopically, which I REALLY wanted!! Make sure you do your research before you go. This way, you can write down any questions you have & take them w/ you to your appointment.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I found that the problems I had, plus my weight, would qualify me, I was all for it. I NEVER had to sit & think about it b/c I hated the quality of my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I couldn't have the Lap Band b/c I wasn't a candidate. So, the RNY was really the only one left b/c that's the standard for someone my size. That was OK w/ me b/c I knew it had been done the most & had the most success. I just wanted to make sure I could have it done laprospocially, and I could b/c my abdomen wasn't too big. If it's too big/thick, the instruments won't fit in there & work right.

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?

My ONLY fear...dying & leaving my daughter w/o a mom...w/o a parent. I even went so far as to draw up a "Final Will" in case something did happen, the judge would know where I would like her to live. I would tell others to be prepared. Look, the surgery is life changing...LIFE SAVING, but there are risk. You should have your affairs in order, in my opinion.

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?

My dad & mom, especially my mom, were scared. However, they supported me.

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

I wasn't working at that time, and I'm still not.

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

I was there for 3 LONG days & hated being there!! However, as far as hospital stays go, it wasn't too bad. I would recommend taking your own pillow, face wipes, tooth brush/paste, brush/comb, maybe a robe, & maybe a journal to write about your experience during the moments that you happen to be awake/"with it".

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

Nope, thank GOD!! However, I had a problem w/ my IV & the nurses doing it. I had 2 IVs for surgery. A few hours after, one of them went bad, and the next day, the other one went bad. When they tried to start another, they stuck me 5 times, & blew a vien each time, before finally getting it on the 6th try!! I was in agony!!!!

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 excited, nervous, scared, anxious...so many emotions all jumbled together. It was great! Even when I was scared or anxious, it didn't last long b/c I knew how necessary it was. I just thought about why I was doing it, stay positive, & prayed.

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

I was in pain, tired, depressed...I was thinking, "What have I done"? All that gets better after a couple of weeks. So, just roll w/ the punches & remember why you did it.

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

I traveled 2 hours.

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 became lactose intolerant from surgery. So, I've had a hard time finding food I can stomach w/o lactose. This is hard b/c a lot of lactose free foods & drinks taste terrible!! I'm still trying to find a protien drink that I can stand & that has a good amount of protien. I'm still VERY cautious as to what I eat. If I try to eat a piece of meat that chewing seems to do nothing for, than I spit it out. I'm able to eat canned chicken & tuna but not much. In fact, I was told I was allowed up to 2 oz./meal, but I can barely get in 1 oz.!! If it's protien, like the chicken or tuna, I'll fill full in like 5 min. I'm 10 weeks out, and I'm still eating some pureed. However, I mostly eat what is considered a soft food diet. I still have trouble getting in all my liquids from time to time, but I'm not giving up.

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

For the 1st couple of weeks, my activity level was about the same as before. Then I started doing 20 min walks every day & weights every other day. Then, about 3 weeks ago, I started feeling TERRIBLE & had to stop. I've been to tired & too weak.

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

I have the Centrum Silver chewable, Caltrate chewable, & B12 injection that I do myself once a month.

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 had a problem w/ N & V before surgery b/c of my gallbladder, which they were supposed to take out & didn't. So, now my N & V is even worse, and I'm, most likely, gonna be going thru another surgery very soon to have my gallbladder out. For a few weeks after surgery, I had trouble sleeping b/c I would quit breathing & wake up gasping for air. This never happened before surgery. I haven't experienced any dumping, and i NEVER want to. I follow the rules b/c I'm scared to death to experience that. Of course, I haven't been like some wackos that decide to indulge w/ sweets. I find this infuriating!! We have major, life-changing surgery, and so many don't even follow the rules! Well, why have it to begin with you dope!?!? Yes, I'm losing a bunch of hair. I'm worse than a shedding dog or cat, but I'm told this doesn't last long. At least, it doesn't look any thinner...yet.

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

The mental aspect. They can prepare you & inform you until the cows come home, but you will NEVER be fully prepared mentally...NEVER!!

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

I haven't started a support group yet. I am looking into it though. I think it's vitally important to have others around you that have gone through the same thing.

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

I have 5 tiny ones & 1 bigger one where the drain was. I didn't expect the drain scar to be so big, but it's healing pretty nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After the 1st 2 or 3 weeks, I seemed to hit mini plateaus every week or 2. I'll stop losing, then BAMB, I'll be down 5 or 10 lbs. Then I'll stop again...so on & so on. It can be a bit discouraging at times.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do get quite a bit of attention b/c people know I've had the surgery. They're always coming up & saying things or asking questions..."You're looking so good"...."How much have you lost now"?...