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

The publicizing of Carnie Wilson's surgery is when I first began to seriously consider the procedure.

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

I didn't have a problem. I spent a lot of time prior to surgery documenting my struggle. I was able to get records from doctors going back to grade school that charted my challenges and my attempts to get weight under control.

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

I first met my surgeon at an information session at the hospital. She explained the nuts and bolts of the surgery and I had the opportunity to speak with patients that had undergone the procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Life wasn't worth living the way I was living.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I liked the idea of having laproscopic surgery. Less recovery time. Long-term results seemed good.

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 was only mildly nervous. I was miserable and figured I didn't have much to lose.

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 mother was opposed. She has a very different opinion now!

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 employer. They were supportive. I only took two weeks and 1 day off for surgery. If I had it to do over, I would have taken a bit more time.

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

Great! I was at Alvarado Hospital for 3 days. I was well cared for. The most important thing I brought was a good attitude!

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

I had vomiting for 3 months. Seems much of it was a reaction to an iron supplement. When I stopped taking it, I rarely vomited.

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 felt the date wouldn't arrive soon enough. I was so excited.

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

Take it easy and don't push it too fast. Walking daily a lot helped me. Support groups were also very valuable.

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

1.5 hours. No, I made a commitment to do what it takes. I could have had it done closer to home, but finding the right surgeon was most important to me.

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 followed doctor's orders to the "t" for the first 6 months avoiding unhealthy, bulky foods. I can eat most anything in moderation now. But, I try to also think about what I put in my mouth. No snacking!

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

I walked daily. The more I walked, the better I felt.

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

I take b-12 supplement and 3 multi-vitamins daily. Extra calcium/vitamin D.

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?

Vomiting was bad for three months. I lost half my hair, but fortunately I had tons to start with so it wasn't noticeable to others. I coped by looking at the scale!

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

The worst part was not being able to drink water when I awoke from surgery. I was so thirsty. Also, getting the JP tube out was, let's say, memorable. It's over quickly though.

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

Hospital has regular support groups. I met one of my best friends there. Support groups are hugely important to being successful. It's easy to get off track if you don't stay connected.

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

Hardly noticable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm 6 years out. Had minor regain due to some bad choices. Got it back under control though!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.