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

I followed Carnie Wilson's story and researched bariatric surgery on the internet for about 8 months. I realized that this surgery was my only option for a healthy life. I knew it was a drastic procedure but I really wanted to feel better.

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

I had no problems with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of S.C. (State). I had all the health problems necessary for them to cover.

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

My first visit was long as I thought it would be because I had to see the nutritionist, the psycologist and Dr. Byrne. But it was worth it. Dr. Byrne met with us as a class after we finished and answered all of our questions very straightforward which I liked.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being tired and hurting all the time when I walked.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Byrne recommend RNY because I was over 300 lbs.

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 was not waking up from the surgery but I knew if I did not do something about my weight I would soon die anyway.

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 boyfriend was very supportive and said if this was what I wanted to do he was behind me. My sister was very supportive also. My son was scared because he thought I was going to die.

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

My supervisor knew about my surgery and was very supportive. I was out of work for 5 weeks.

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

I stayed 3 days in the hospital. The hospital stay was okay. The only complaint I had was it was hard to get up to the bathroom by myself and they had a shortage of help so I had to ask several times before someone would come help me to the bathroom so I had to learn to ask for help well in advance.

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

No complications until 1 month post op. I had a stricture (the opening into the pouch was closing). I had to have an outpatient procedure endoscopy to stretch this opening. I have not had any problems since.

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

The pain the first week was bad but each day I felt better. The only anxiety I felt was when I had to have the endoscopy twice.

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

I think it takes you a full 3 months to get back to normal with your eating. The only problem I had was eating meat. I am just now getting to where my stomach can tolerate meat.My suggestion is to go SLOW. It will be worth it in the end.

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

The surgery was at MUSC in Charleston which is about 1.5 hours from me.

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 1st month nothing but liquids or pureed. By the end of the 1st month I was tired of pureeing everything! Like I said before meats were my main problem. If I ate too fast I would throw up so I had to really eat slowly. If I ate too much, I would throw up.

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

I tried to exercise each day but some days I did not feel like it. I would walk around the house mainly. I started walking after my 2 week check up when I got my staples out.

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

Multivitamin, B12, Vit. E, Biotin (for hair loss).

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?

Vomiting when I ate too much or something did not agree with me probably for the first 2 months. I am experiencing hair loss now. I am taking a vitamin supplement from GNC to help with hair loss.

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

The only part I can think of is the endoscopy when I had the stricture. I was not sedated like the MD thought. The IV had infiltrated and all the sedation meds were under my skin. It was not fun for someone to put a scope down your throat to your pouch and you are gagging your head off!

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

I joined a support group in November (2 months after surgery). This is very helpful talking with people who have had surgery and lost weight. If you have questions they are there to help.

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

It looks like a railroad track. No I thought it would be faded by now but I guess I have to be patient.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am going through my 1st plateau now. I am stuck at 72 lbs. and it has been 3 weeks!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get alot of stares from people!