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

I first heard about it when Carnie Wilson got it done. I was so excited to watch the weight fall off of her.

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

This is the worst part of the process...initially. My advice would be to never give up. If its something you really want, you can make it happen. Even if it means switching ins co's a few times.

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

Well hopefully you'll have a better surgeon than I had. Mine isn't big on talk and never really told me about the complications. I would never recommend this guy to anyone.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was getting way too huge and my health was failing fast. I needed to take desperate measures.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I felt that I should have the most extreme surgery in order to discipline myself best. Big mistake.

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 really didn't worry. Complications were never really discussed. I figured I was going to be ok. HA!

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 think they were scared at first, but ended up being excited with me. I know they've enjoyed watching me get smaller.

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

n/a

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

Looking back, the seminar was a joke. I think they need to focus on the complications more than the success stories. People need to know the risks. And that no one is immune to the complications.

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

The hospital stay was great. Nurses were awesome. LOVED my morphine.

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

Not at first. Several months later, where I'm at now, I have a problem with strictures. Can't eat. In constant pain. Do NOT do the rny. Its not worth it.

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 was excited. Didn't realize what I was really getting into. Pisses me off.

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

Plan on taking things very slow. And listen to your body. Push fluids...food time will eventually happen...if you're lucky.

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

about a 5 minute drive. I guess that makes me lucky?

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.

In detail...well to be honest, all I can eat is soup...strained chicken noodle. I can't really tolerate meat...anything with any bulk gets stuck and its very painful.

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

I did notice my energy level increase as the weight came off. I've had to almost relearn how to do chores instead of having others do them.

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

I haven't really been able to take anything. The thought of it makes me sick to my stomach.

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?

My hair started falling out at 3 months, and here at 6 months, its extremely thin. If I lose more, I may need to purchase a wig. Nausea and vomiting are bad. As I fill this survey out, I'm very depressed and not hopeful for my future.

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

STRICTURES!!!!!! THEY SUCK!

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

Just family. I'm not big on groups...which is good because I haven't heard good things about the support group at the hospital.

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

My "scar"...try SCARS. Theres like 6 of them and 2 of them itch all the time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a few plateus in the past few months, but ultimately I dont care about that. I just want to feel good again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yeah...more people talk to me and give me eye contact. The human race is a joke.