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

I saw the article on Carnie Wilson, then a local lady in the next town had the surgery and they did a spot on the local news about her sucess. I realized you didnt have to weigh 500 lbs to qualify. I started a year of research on Doctors and the different types of procedure.

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

I was prepared when I went to the first appt. I new what I wanted and knew what to expect. It was a breeze. I knew all the answers before I asked and felt really comfortable with my doctor.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was the major factor. My blood pressure was high, cholesterol was 270. My joints ached and hurt. I had GERD and couldnt walk more then a block without being out of breath. I knew if I didnt get off the weight I would die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched and talked to Dr. Champion about the different types of procedure and which would be right for me.

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?

I had no fear. I was comfortable with my decision and made my decision based on knowledge and prayer. I counted down the days.

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?

Some thought I was stupid to have surgery. Others supported me completely. It was my decision and I have to live with it and eventually everyone was behind me.

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

Two weeks. We own our own business so time off was not a problem.

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

I loved Emory Dunwoody hospital in Atlanta. I was there 3 days. I took a phone card, chapstick, my toothbrush and phone list.

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

I got pneumonia and had to stay and extra day on antibotics.

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 so excited I could hardly wait. i started preparing myself by learning how to chew and eat after the surgery. I also stocked up on my protein drinks and vitamins.

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

Alot of trial and error. I leaned to keep trying things if they didn't work the first time. I was more tired then ususal for the first few weeks and got lots more rest and sleep. I found it hard to eat every two hours since I didn't get hungry. Also, I learned to carry MY protein and food with me. Its hard to find things you can eat when you go out.

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

3 Hours. The drive home was long and bumpy. I slept 18 hours when I got to my own bed.

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.

Its been 7 weeks since my surgery. I did ok the first 4 weeks. I was able to drink my protein drinks and eat my soft foods. I am having a hard time adding normal foods to my diet. Meats are completely out and I can no longer stomach some of the soft foods.

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

My energy level was non existant the first 3 weeks, the stared coming back slowly. At 7 weeks I can last about 12 hours a day but need 9 hours of sleep to make it through the next day.

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

Liquid multiple vitamins, tums 3 x's a day. zinc and biotein for hairloss. I also drank Pur Pro Smooth Chocolate protein drinks.

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 nausea often. I have thrown up a couple of times when I ate too fast. I am having problems keeping down some normal foods.

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

What i'm going through now. Not being able to eat non-soft foods. I eat a couple bites and throw up. And I am so sick of the soft foods. I think trying so hard to eat and not being able to is the hardest part.

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

We have a great support group where I live. They have about 75 members I also go to a support group in another town. I think its wonderful to get together with people who have been throught the same thing.

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

My little scars are almost gone completely. Wouldn't even know I had surgery now.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 4 weeks I hit a plateau and didnt lose for a week the lost 3 pounds at once. I expect them to happen and have quit weighing myself except every two weeks.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People seem to notice me more now. They talk to me instead of at me. People dont make fun of me as much anymore.