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

I first learned of it when Carnie Wilson came to the spotlight about it.... I instantly knew it was right for me... even before I researched the pros and cons... I knew in my heart that I was going to do it.

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

Piece of cake....BCBS of Alabama... they required very little AND I was approved instantly. I have heard of insurance horror stories and I hate that for people!

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

It was great.... super nice man.... my advice, go with your gut; if anything makes you weary, then find another doc!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was no final to decide... I knew it immediately!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance didn't cover the lapband at the time, so I went with RNY.... also too, the thought of getting "fills" grossed me out. I know I am a food addict and I needed something that would last forever.

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?

Well as I write this, I am 4 1/2 years out... but if I remember, the only fear I had was dying on the table... I had researched it well enough to know that the future looks promising for WLS patients... and as far as complications well after the surgery, I just had to put that monster in God's hands.

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 husband was very much against it, but loves my new bod now : ) Friends are very proud of me.... I actually only told a few BEFORE surgery.

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

My principal was very supportive and even gave me a gift for the hospital stay. I was out 3 weeks but could have easily gone back to teaching in 2 weeks.

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

It was a comfortable 2 day stay. I took the general things needed for a hospital stay.

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

Not a one!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Happy as a lark! Only felt nervous the day of surgery.

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

You will eat VERY little... remember to take SMALL bites and chew, chew, chew!

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

Birmingham is an 1 1/2 drive from Montgomery.

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.

Actually I could eat anything I wanted... of course I stayed away from icecream, afterall I had the surgery to lose weight. Now at 4 plus years out, I can eat most anything.... some rich dishes give me trouble and I do not go overboard with fried foods either.

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

I was on my treadmill day 3 out of surgery.

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

I take a multivitamin and try hard to get in lots of protein. I had to stop taking my calcium supplements as I had a kidney stone and my doctor said I had to stop taking them... and believe me, I never want another stone!

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 none. Sure if I ate too fast I'd get a little queasy or if I ate something fried I would.

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

Having to wait a year to lose the majority of my weight... no lie, this was simple, simple, simple and I am a real sissy to pain/problems.

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

I went to a few meetings after the initial loss... I don't have any support now.... I don't need any.

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

Lapband scars are nearly gone.... some left with my tummy tuck.... what is left is small and very un-noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a few that first year out, but they didn't last long. IF you are really determined, you CAN get all your weight off!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Gosh yes.... men hit on me and stare. Women tell me all the time they wished they had my figure.