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

Carnie Wilson - I thought she was nuts! I then thought maybe she's not nuts. I deceided to start researching it. I read a bunch of stories on-line, got super scared and said it wasn't for me. I then saw Al on the Today Show shrink before my eyes and knew it was time for me. It still took about four months to finally to get to my first meeting. I had discussed the option with my husband Paul and daughter Kit. They were not thrilled, however, they were really wanting me to look into it. After the meeting at Abbott, everyone was like this is your answer! Everyone was super supportive. My mom however was very scared and said she would have to think about it. I had to laugh and told her the decision had already been made. So, to put her at ease I made an appointment with our doctor (we see the same general doctor who we both love and adore) and she was super excited. My mom is now more than supportive!

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

I have Medica Choice, so I didn't have to go through any insurance approval.

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

I love my surgeon! I thought Dr. Schwartz was really awesome. I was very glad that I held out and waited for him. He took the time that I needed to answer all of my questions. He was really great!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Many factors - I have researched this surgery for well over two years. I have read everything I could get my hands on. I am mentally ready and emotionally ready. I have been on every diet in the world and I am ready for a new lease on life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

That has been the toughest part. It was actually my husband. I was leaning towards the lap-band, because for a couple of different reasons. He looked at me and said, if your going to do it, do it. He was very uncomfortable with the thought of having something in my body for the rest of my life and having to make sure it was sealed correctly and it made him very uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong all of it makes him uncomfortable, but the bypass he feels is the best option for me and I agree and so does my mom!

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 really didn't have any fears. I had done so much research that I was at peace with the decision that I made. Of course you think about dying during the operation, but I washed that out of my head as fast as it came in! If you are scared then you are not ready and that is how I feel. Having surgery is scary and most people do fear that and that is okay, but if you are afraid of doing the bypass, do more research!

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 family was very supportive. My mom is the one who is most scared. She worries about me and is a mom! I am trying to help her understand why I am doing this. Even though she is scared she is very supportive. I know that once I am done she will be very happy that I did this! I love her!

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

I straight up told my bosses. They were very supportive. I work for a small company and we are like a family here. I was out of work for two weeks and two days.

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 28 hours! It was amazing! The staff were all wonderful. I got super lucky with the nurses and other doctors. I have great respect for them. They made my stay wonderful! They made sure that they wheeled in a bed for my husband who didn't want to leave me! Even though I didn't need it, a fan! My room was chilly, but some of the others were very hot!

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

No complications at all!

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 very angry at first! I had to wait another four months! It was very frustrating! However, as we got into December someone had to cancel and they moved me up to January 6th! I was super excited. I didn't have anxiety. I went into planning mode getting everyone taken care of and shopping for the things that I need!

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

The first week I found myself wanting to puke!!!! It was hard. Once I got over that feeling, it was wonderful! Food was icky and water tasted really bad. If it was cold, it hurt, if it was warm it tasted nasty! I got very sick of tomato soup and cottage cheese! Food in general just didn't taste to hot! But once I got into my second week and all the meds were out of my body things perked up and I started the soft diet.

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

The hospital is about 25 minute drive, so I didn't have to go too far.

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'm only two and 1/2 weeks out. The first week I couldn't eat anything cold. Nothing tasted good. I couldn't get the dry out of my mouth. The second week I started a soft diet and I have been able to eat everything. I love ice cold water! Which is odd, because most people can't drink it ice cold! The first week I couldn't but the second week has been fine. I am slowly adding more food. I would say that I am up to 1/2 cup at each meal.

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

The first few days I couldn't go real far. Now I manage 10 minutes on my glider!

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

so far two chewable vitamins more to come once I have my appointment with the doctor for post op

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 came home on a Wednesday and things were fine, but Thursday - Sunday I would vomit at least twice a day. It was awful. We are not real sure why. Sleeping was real hard too, but now that I am 2 1/2 weeks out it is getting better.

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

Vomiting! It hurt and I was scared that I was going to tear my new little tummy!

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

I have not been to a support group. I have met many people on this site and they pretty much have given me the support that I have needed. I haven't felt the need to go yet. However, I know of two wonderful groups that I can go to if I feel I want more support. I feel support is very important for a successful journey. Some people need to be in a room with others, some may not. Either way, if you don't attend one of the many support groups, just make sure you have support in some shape or form!

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

I have six 1 inch scars across my upper belly. They are really no big deal! I have a 3 1/2 inche scar on my leg where they took out something out (I can never remember the name of it) to tie around the closing of my new tummy. The funny thing is, I like that scar most, at first I hated it, because it was ugly, now it's my sign of success! I wear that scar proud if that makes since!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did have a couple of pretty good plateaus in the first year. I would say four. None lasted too long, but long enough for me! I rapidly lost my weight. I was 330lbs and was down 165 lbs by my first year. I believe my plateaus were my body taking a break. I think when your having a pleteau you do need to really focus on what it is your eating and if you are working out. Sugar, stay away from sugar. It's so easy to quit when your in the middle of a platuau. I've had too many friends give up. Don't give up, just regroup drink more water, look at your diet and workout! If you do that, in a couple of days the plateau will pass!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, actually I do. Large people tend to be rude to me until they find out that I was extremely overweight. I've had a couple people be even ruder to me if you can believe that and some who ask me a million questions. I just tell people I am an open book and I am very willing to talk about me and my surgery. I find other people talk to me more. It was much easier to find a new job. When I walk into a clothes shop I am greeted right away where before I was pretty much always over looked. I have found I get better service when I'm out to eat also. It's really sad. I know I was huge, but I'm still the same person.