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

I had first really given it thought around the time Carnie Wilson had her surgery. I had always said that I would never do anything like that to myself, and I was convinced that all I had to do was diet and exercise. Then reality set in and I saw a picture of myself, and my heart sank... I looked horrible. I am the sweetest person, but I felt so bad about myself

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

I really didn't have any problems with getting approval. I left it up to Dr. Capella's office, and rec'd approval within 2-3 weeks. Just pray... I did

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

My first visit with my surgeon was very informative. The doctor and his staff answered any questions or concerns that I had. I asked ALOT of questions too... I would suggest you do a little research online and prepare a list of questions before your visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Not only did I not look good, but I didn't feel too good either.. I am always tired... I just eat and eat and eat, and I am tired. I don't know what it feels like not to be overweight and I don't want to die because I am fat. I also want to make changes for myself and my child.

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 ultimate fear is of dying. I hope and pray everyday that I don't develop complications or die from this. The more I talk to people who have had it done, the better I feel about going through with it. I am so scared, but at the same time, I am so excited to be reborn. Just pray and have faith, and I am sure everything will be fine.

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?

Well, my mom was really excited for me and my aunts and grandmother felt the same. I did have some family members who thought it was a bad idea, but whatever!!! I have two really close friends who I was really nervous about hearing their reaction to my decision, but they are behind me 100%. Although, I don't think they really want me to go through with it, just because they are worried about me, but they are very supportive and interested in the procedure and it's outcome.

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

Well, my employer insists that I don't need to do this, as well as my co-workers, but only I really know what I need to do and why, and it is really hard to explain to anyone.

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

My hospital stay was not bad at all... I have only been in the hospital one other time, and that was to give birth to my daughter 6 years ago. I was terrified of being cut open, but the hospital staff was WONDERFUL! The nurses were compassionate, expressed concern, and were very attentive to me. My stay was 3 days long, and I was very pleased the entire time!

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

I have been very blessed to have had NO complications with the surgery.

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

At first, I wasn't sure if I had done the right thing. After all,I couldn't have my cake, ice cream and other things that I have grown to love. But after about a week or two when I started to realize that I was losing weight, and I wouldn't be on pureed food forever, I started to feel better about my decision. I felt great, and had alot to look forward to.

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

Expect to feel unsure about your decision. It is major life change, and it takes time to get adjusted to the "new" you. Just be patient and keep thinking, you did this to help yourself, and in my case possibly save myself.

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

The hospital was about 15 minutes away from my home.

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.

Well, I cannot tolerate any beef! I would try different things little by little, and I notice that beef & bread have been my biggest no no's. Other than that, everything is fine (but just a little)

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

My activity level was great... I went to the gym to swim in the pool starting about a week after coming home from the hospital and It felt GOOD! I began to notice how much more energy I had, and I just couldn't keep still.. It was weird, but WONDERFUL.

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

I take a multi-vitamin, biotin, and anemagen on a daily basis.

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 am currently 6 months post op and I have noticed slight hair loss for just about a month now. I did try some sugar free ice cream about a week after the surgery and let's just say, I haven't even tried that since :) I do vomit occassionally, but only when I overeat or eat something I know I can't tolerate, like beef or bread. Other than that, I am super!

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

I would have to say the day of the surgery was horrible, only because after the surgery, I wasn't allowed to have ANYTHING! NO water, no ice, nothing... but everything else went smoothly and is still going good.

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

Because my work schedule is so unpredictable, the only support system I have is the website www.obesityhelp.com It has been a very important tool to me both pre-op and post op. The photos are inspiring and I was able to get so much helpful information during my research process!

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

My scar is actually not that bad. It seems to be lighting up over time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Well, since my surgery, I have broken up with my boyfriend of 10 years, quit my job, and I have so much more self confidence than I ever thought I would.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh YES!!!! I feel so bad for obese people. I hear people making comments and stuff and my heart goes out to them because I was there for such a long time. By no means am I skinny, but I can say there is a BIG difference!