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

Carnie Wilson's surgery brought bariatric surgery to my attention. And then for three years I researched it, thought about it, hoped about it, and then finally received it!

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

My insurance company was quite quick and easy. I did not experience any problems with them approving my surgery. The bad part about it, is that I was the last person to be approved for the surgery. My employer has now implemented a 'new' treatment for obeses persons. They have to follow a hospital related diet program for a year time, if after that year they still meet the criteria for bariatric surgery they are automatically approved.

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

Because I had researched bariatric surgery for three years, I did not have questions for my surgeon. I met with his assistant first, and them my doctor came in to make sure I had all the information I needed. Research is the most important thing, make sure you research the surgery itself, and of course your surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I made the decision to finally make myself healthy. There is a history of diabetes and obesity on my Father's side, and I decided I did not want to end up like that. I also looked at my neices and nephews, and realized how much I have missed out and decided I want to take them places and enjoy the time we have together.

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?

The only fear I had was of having to have an upper G.I. again after surgery. During my pre-op appointments, that was the worst part of it. Thank goodness, it wasn't that bad. The fluid I had to drink was not as thick as before, and the morphene was my best friend! :-)

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?

I have the best family and friends in the world! When I was first researching to have bariatric surgery, my Mother shrugged it off and said I was crazy. When I made my final decision, she supported me 100%! My Mother and Father were with me when I was in the hospital. And when I was released, I stayed with them for a couple of days until I can walk around on my own. My friends (aka co-workers) were VERY supportive. Some of my friends actually went on a liquid diet with me before the surgery. They kept in constant contact with me while I recuperated at home. When I returned back to work, all I heard was "You look so great!" and "I'm so proud of you!" Who could ask for anything better?

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

Like I said before, they were all very supportive. I had no secrets, I came out and told them I was having bariatric surgery. And anyone that said, "Why don't you go on a diet?" were quickly shown the way, and how this really was my last resort. I was out of weeks for three weeks ... I'm still contimplating if it was not long enough.

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

My stay at the hospital was a new experience for me. I was in the I.C.U. unit right after surgery, and those nurses were the best in the world! They took very good care of me. When I went to my own room, things were a little different, the nurses were few and far between. Which actually didn't bother me, I had wonderful pain medicine, and slept. I was in the hospital for four days, due to my inablility to pass gass (or like my doctor said, "Have a farting party." The most important thing to bring? CHAPSTICK!! My chapstick did not leave my hand the first day!

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

The only complications I'm having so far is vomitting. No matter what I eat, it seems to work it's way back up. It's getting a little better, and I'm hoping the longer post-op I am the better it gets.

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

This was probably one of the most difficult times in my life. When I was finally able to eat pureed food, I was getting sick. What I didn't realize was a "small" bite to me at the time is a "huge" bite to me now. My eyes were still bigger than my stomach, and I pushed the envelope one too many times. It was also very difficult for me to drink liquids. Once again, what I thought was a small drink was a humongous gulp. It takes a while to get use to small bites and sips, but in the end, it is completely worth it!

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

My surgery was performed in Weston, FL on the east coast. I live in Naples, on the west coast. The drive was about an hour away, and was not an issue.

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 never imagined in a million years I would be saying this, but... I have ruled out: meat, poultry, breads, and pasta. They just "sit" so uncomfortably in my 'pouch,' and they fill me up quickly. I hate feeling full -- what a change!

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

After the surgery, I found myself very tired and weak. This was because I was not eating properly and drinking enough liquids. It is a lifestlye change, and it takes a while to get use to - but once you do, it was worth the sacrifices!

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

I love Vita-Balls, the bubble gum multi vitamins!!!! I also take a monthly injection of B12 - and boy can I tell when I need one.

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 experienced it all! Actually, there are times now that I still experience it. It's quite odd how one day you'll be able to eat eggs, and the next day they just don't agree with you.

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

The worst part was being dehydrated. I thought I was drinking enough, but when I ended up back in the hospital I realized I needed more. It was horrible, since then - I have made sure I drink enough liquids.

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

My support group has become someone very important ... me! I no longer rely on food to make me feel better, I rely strictly on myself - and I never thought I would be successful!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

It has taken me a while to understand the difference in myself! Not only do I get looks by males, but I look in the mirror and do not even recognize myself. I will never forget my "first" whistle, it made my day! I haven't changed on the inside, and the sad part is that people think because my outside has changed that my inside has - life is still about being judged, I just wish we can all learn not to judge a book by it's cover - wether the cover is small and thin or thick and fat.