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

Carnie Wilson (God bless her) brought bariatric surgery out of the closet -- and let folks know there were options out there. I was scared and thought I would never resort to such, but the more I researched and learned, I thought it might be the answer for me. Especially when I read that of the people that have 100 lbs. or more to lose, only about 5% can lose it and keep it off. Those stats were not encouraging, to say the least!

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

I did not meet Dr. Kim until my pre-op appointment. He made me feel very comfortable with my decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When the simple act of walking from my car to my desk at work made me feel like I was going to have a heart attack, I knew I had to do something. I could not go on like I was.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

A friend of mine did most the research -- she steered me in the right direction!

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 had no fears -- I felt like if it was my time to go, so be it. I hardly had a life at that point, so what would be the loss?

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?

Everyone was very supportive.

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

I was out of work for ~5 weeks. I actually changed jobs within the same department while I was out on medical leave. They were very understanding and excited for me.

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

My stay at Ocean Springs Hospital was a piece of cake. The nurses and doctors were excellent. I thought for such a small hospital, they were the best! I was there for 5 days and the only thing I needed from home was my cousin!! She was a godsend!

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

The only complications I had was that when I was intubated, they knocked out my front tooth and did severe nerve damage to the one next to it. I have all new teeth now - better than ever! LOL

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 too busy to be anxious. I had less than 2 weeks to get my act together and get plane tickets for me and my cousin and get ready!!

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

I was slow moving, but not bad. My shortness of breath went away almost immediately. I went back to work in 5 weeks for half-days, and it worked well. I was tired, but felt fine.

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

From NC to MS, and I travelled back there for my 3-month checkup. I've not been back since, but have faxed bloodwork to them regularly. I've also e-mailed my doctor from time to time just to let him know how I'm doing.

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 food tastes have changed, but nothing drastic.

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

It increased fairly rapidly -- and I felt so good and thought I could accomplish anything! However, I did tire easily.

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

I take 2 multi-vitamins daily and 6 calcium citrate pills daily.

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 do have some vomiting still, but it's not bad. Seemed like tomato based stuff was not working well, but it takes spells. Sometimes I do fine, sometimes it's coming back! lol

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

The time it took to start research to having surgery -- but I think everyone should take their time and make sure they're doing what they want to in their heart. I never was worried that I would not make it thru surgery -- I was not living prior to surgery -- if I died, I would not be any worse off, I felt. And, now, compared to how I feel, I'd do it again in a skinny minute!!

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

I'm a member of an on-line support group -- we met monthly locally for a couple of years.

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

Scarring is not bad, but a good tummy tuck will take care of it!! I had hand-assisted lap surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had several plateaus while I was losing. Now, maintaining is the key. I'm working on getting rid of the "bounce-back".

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes. But, then, I'm more of a risk-taker now and more confident.