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

First heard about it when Carnie Wilson had it done. Pondered it for a while and then determined it wasn't for me, I could do it on my own. Guess what, I can't. The surgery was brought up again by my mother-in-law, and as a bet I asked my doctor (assuming that somehow I wouldn't qualify for it) and the dominos starting tumbling from there.

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

My insurance approval went very smoothly, I was amazed. I have read about others having a horrible time getting their insurance company to pay for their surgery. I pray for those and realize how blessed I am.

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

The visit with Dr. Cirangle was nice. I prepared by visiting many many sites on the internet and viewing their recommendations for questions to ask the doctor and came up with some on my own. I typed my list and took it to the appointment. I made sure that I was knowledgeable about the different types of surgeries available.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Years of hopeless dieting. Recognizing the lack of discipline that I was giving my children because I was just too tired to get up off the couch and deal with it. Feeling bad about myself. Fear of more health problems - especially diabetes and heart problems (both of which run in my family).

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had originally wanted the RNY because of the success rate. After meeting with Dr. Cirangle, I changed my mind and decided to have the Lap-Band system. Completely talked myself out of the RNY and then found out my insurance company only covers the RNY. So my decision was made for me. RNY here I come.

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?

Fears, I get so scared every time I think about leaving my children and husband and traveling 6 hours to have surgery. I am afraid of having complications that prolong the recovery process. I am terrified of dying, but more afraid of continued health problems. I just want to be a happy, normal sized mom/wife.

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 husband is the best support system I have. He is supportive of the surgery, sat with me researching the different options and went to my initial consult with Dr. Cirangle. The rest of my family have all been suportive and encouraging. I am very blessed. I have not told my children yet, 1 1/2 weeks left and I am afraid to tell them.

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

I told my supervisor and asked to have it kept confidential. I just didn't want a lot of people trying to talk me out of it. I work at a place that is mostly women and they are very caring. I know that they would support me, I just don't want to discuss the surgery with everyone. I will obviously have to tell them when I return to work.

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 4 days. The nursing staff was quick to respond to my needs and check my pain level frequently. I felt very comfortable at the hospital, there were seperate lights, TV's and phones for both beds in the room. I think the most important thing I brought and used was socks and a hairbrush.

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

I have not had any complications yet - I am 2 weeks post-op.

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 had 6 weeks from the time I had my initial appointment with the surgeon until my surgery date. At first I was anxious and excited, then it just kind of went into the back of my mind for a few weeks. Within the 2 weeks prior to surgery I was afraid, anxious, fearful - every emotion I had available! I ate and ate like there was no tomorrow, fearing that I would no longer be able to eat those kind of foods again!

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

My first two weeks were fine. For the first few days I had a hard time coping with the inability to eat since I was cooking for my family and all I could have was a protein shake! If I had to do this over I would have someone else prepare meals afterwards. Otherwise, I felt a little sore and tired, but not more than the I would after having a cold.

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

I traveled approx 300 miles (6 hours driving time). The ride home was ok, but I felt wierd each time there was a curve in the road...kind of like my insides were moving around. If you have to travel a long distance bring a pillow to put between yourself and the seatbelt - it will help.

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.

At first the only food that I have tried that is allowed during the time period allowed and that I couldn't tolerate was peanut butter.

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

I felt tired on some days, usually after a day of a lot of activity or walking. I felt guilty on the days I didn't do any excercise knowing that it was slowing my weight loss.

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

Multivitamin, B-12 and Calcium.

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 hate the vomiting! I vomit when I eat too fast or don't chew well enough. I am 6 weeks post-op and I am still vomiting when I'm not careful!

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

The emotional roller coaster.

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

I attend a monthly support group meeting facilitated by my surgeon. I like hearing other stories and sharing information about my own experience. I love meeting new people interested in WLS.

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

So far, I have 2 noticeable scars about 1 inch long, they are still red and healing. The other 3 scars are hardly noticeable.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I hear a lot of "we are so proud of you" - so does that mean that that all of a sudden I have changed as a person? I feel conflicted with compliments, I love them from my husband, but feel wierd hearing them from his male friends.