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

I heard about Carney Wilson or rather i saw Carney on Oprah. She looked good and she peeked my curiousity about wls. That,s when i started looking into this surgery. I'd heard horror stories of stomac stapling for years but thought they must have improved on this surgery by now,so my search began January 2001.

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

Our health care system in Quebec, Canada covers the cost of wls as long as your bmi is over 40.

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

I found Dr. Christou very kind and caring. I went in with a list if questions and left with all them answered. You need to be well prepared with what questions you want answered even if you think they are silly.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Nothing else has worked. What have i got to lose except the weight. If i continue gaining i could be dead tomorrow. People say it's a dangerous operations. It's more dangerous staying obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I read about each proceedure and spoke to people who had it done. Then i found the surgeon who performed the rny. I've meet some of his patients and seen their results and decided to go for it.

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?

Life is full of complications and we all seem to get through them. I think if you have a positive attitude you can get through anything. As far as death ,were all going to go someday but who knows when. I could live to be 100 or i could cross the street tomorrow and get hit by a bus. Lets take things one day at a time.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. The first night i spent in icu in a reclining chair. I could not get comfortable in the hospital bed. They asked my husband if he was staying the night and he was surprised to be able to stay in icu with me. He sleept beside me all night which made me happy and more relaxed. I was in the hospital for 5 days and had great nurses taking care of me. The most important thing i brought with me were my tongs. I was able to keep my Butt clean without having to be embarassed.

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

I have a wound infection which is being taken care of and will heal in time.

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

My first few weeks were not positive. I had a problem with knowing when i was hungry. I would feel like i was going to be sick and bring up nothing but water. Soon i learned that when i started to feel sick it was because i was hungry so when i ate the sick feeling would go away. What a switch that is ,it use to be i,d get sick because i ate too much now if i don't eat i feel sick. Go figure.

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

I live half an hour from the hospital. It was not a problem.

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 had problems eating breads, but i could eat some pasta and rice. I found bread would fill my new tummy and i would fell sick. I don't even bother with bread now.

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

I take 1 multi vitamin a day and a liquid iron supplement.

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 lost alot of hair, so i bought a wig. It'll eventually grow back. Could have been worse ,i could be dead from being fat.

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

The dry heaves.

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

I belong to a support group here in Montreal, Canada called ossg. The members are wonderfull and my husband has been by my side from the beginning and is still my greatest source of strenght.

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

My scar looks like a zipper. I am a member of the zipper club as we call it here in montreal. I'm proud of it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a few plateaus but very short lived.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No. I've noticed that i treat myself differently now because i like what i'm becoming(normal looking).