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

I first heard of the surgery because of Carnie Wilson. I was so excited. I called my Mom and told her about it. I was living with 3 friends at the time so I went down in the basement of our house and my Mom and I cried and talked and talked and cried. She thought it was a little extreme. She hadn't heard about it and was a little scared. I, on the other hand, felt in my gut that I had found my answer. I gave my Mom the website (spotlighthealth.com) that I had found and told her to find out more about the procedure. Then I found out how much it would cost. I was devistated. I thought I'd never be able to do it. I was soooo upset. I cried even harder. I kind of put the idea on the back burner for a while. I was in therapy...I tried to just get over it. A year later I was still thinking about the surgery. I still felt in my gut that this was my answer, so I decided I would get the ball rolling. I was going to find the money.

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

Dr. Billing sent out the usual letter to my insurance company. I was pre-approved from that first letter. I had it very easy. Pre-approval doesn't mean they will pay, it just means I can start with my appointments.

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

My first visit with the surgeon came after having a psycological evaluation, a dietician meeting, a physical therapy meeting, and a family physican appointment. Seeing my surgeon was the reward for jumping through all the other hoops. It was a quick visit. He inspected my tummy to make sure it looked ok. He asked if I had any questions...he asked how my insurance company was doing and if they were cooperating...the usual.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided even before I had any doctor appointments. Once I did research on the success rate it was no question that I'd have it done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The hospital where I had it done only did the Reux-n-y.

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 had faith that God put this answer in front of me and that he'd keep me safe. I knew that I was supposed to have this surgery, and I knew it would be ok. I didn't really have any fear.

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 is and always will be 100% supportive of anything and everything I do. I had to prove to them that I had educated myself in what the surgery was and how I would have to take care of myself after. They were great. My friends were worried. They thought it was a very drastic step. They were and are still worried that I won't be the same person I was before. (They're bummed I won't be able to party for a while...ha ha ha) But overall were very very supportive.

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

My company has been wonderful. I am a Store Manager for the Claire's Accessories Company and I got all the time off I needed, as well as short-term disability. My boss and my staff are GREAT! **update**I no longer work there...but it really was a wonderful environment for me at that time in my life.

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

My hospital stay was easy. I brought magazines and books, but really slept the whole time! I had a bad experience coming off of the pain meds. They gave me a headache worse than I've ever had in my whole life. I also wish I could have washed my hair sooner. I guess I'd pack a headband (or hat) if greasy hair upsets you, too!

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

I have developed a stricture, to my knowledge that is when the outlet going from the stomach to the intestine closes up. I throw up all the time. I've had 4 endoscopies and I'm actually going to a more experienced surgeon to see if he has any idea on how to fix me. It's been frustrating to say the least. My life doesn't feel normal right now. I am still overjoyed with my decision and I know I'll be fixed soon! **update**I ended up having 7 endoscopies. I'm 3 years post-op now and all of that trouble is behind me. Everyone was wonderful, and I just drank a lot of Myoplex Low-Carb and tried to stop dreaming of solid foods for a while.

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 only had 24 hours notice before my surgery! I had a date, then it was cancelled 6 days before and I was devistated. There were a lot of things going on at my hospital and the bariatric program was suffering. They were very unorganized and a lot of people were kind of pushed to the side. My surgeon and nurses pushed to get me through. One day I got a call that said, "Can you be here at 6:00am tomorrow morning?" and I was on my way!

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

I sat at home and watched TV a lot. My family came to visit, but I really didn't talk to friends a lot. I was sore, and I still looked the same. I was happy I had done it, but I was ready to look different. It was kind of frustrating...but I had a great family and hospital support system. People should expect to be sore. They should expect to miss food. (I missed pizza so much it hurt!) They should expect to see the weight come off fairly quickly. Also, the drainage bag takes a little getting used to. I also had to document everything that went in (and came out of) my body. I wasn't used to that so it was a bit of a change.

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

I was supposed to go to a hospital 45 min away, but I ended up getting into one that was 4 hours away instead. My surgeon traveled there with me to perform the surgery since my original hospital was full. My aftercare was performed at my original hospital, so that's been good.

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.

My diet has been weird because of the stricture, I'll update this section when I'm fixed!!

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

Days after the surgery I was a couch potato! I didn't feel like doing a damn thing! Weeks after I felt better and started exersizing and going out again.

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

Centrum Kids Complete is a great vitamin. I also take 3 viactiv chews a day.

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?

Not really a factor

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

My complications...hopefully I'm well on my way to getting rid of them!

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

There is a support group at the hospital where I was supposed to have my surgery, but other than talking with people who understand, I don't get much out of it. I'm actually really disappointed with the level of post-op care my hospital is giving. I hear about what other people have and I can't help but think I'd be more successful if I had a more hands on post-op team.

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

I have 6 one inch (or smaller) scars. They are nothing...not a bother at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a 3 week plateau, but it was so soon after surgery I really wasn't bothered by it. I'm sure it'll happen again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! But in a good way. I'm sure some of it is how I look, but it's also how I act. I'm back to my old outgoing, happy self. People treat you different when you're not negative all the time.