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

I heard about it when Carnie Wilson had it done. I was intrigued! I had to find out more.

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 any problems with getting approval. I have BC/BS. They paid for everything except my initial consultation. That was $250.

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

My first meeting was great! He was very understanding. Even though he sees people in my position everyday he was very kind and sympathetic. I wasn't just another patient. Ask a lot of questions. This is your body. Don't let the doctor talk you into something you are not ready to do.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was determined to not let anything stop me from having this surgery. The only thing that would have stopped me is if my insurance didn't pay for it and if they would have had to use blood. Neither was a problem.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I used the procedure my doctor specialized in. I had Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass.

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 husband had more fears than I did. I could die from heart failure if I didn't lose the weight.

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?

Some tried to talk me out of it. But they have never been in my position. I tried to explain to them how I felt and why I was doing it. In the end I got a lot of support. Post-op everyone was great!

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

When I had surgery, I wasn't working (too embarassed to get a job).

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

I was very comfortable. Of course, I couldn't wait to get home but the hospital staff was great and they were very well trained on this surgery. I was in 4 days and I took pictures of my family,books, my own pillow, things that would make you comfortable.

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

I had no complications.

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

The first six weeks were hard. There were many changes taking place in my body and they were all happening so fast I wasn't sure how to deal with them. I went through depression for about a week wondering if I had done the right thing (believe me I know I did the right thing). I did a lot of praying and my husband helped me a lot. You need support after surgery especially if it is from someone who has been through this before.

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

It varies from person to person. I was very tired for about 2 weeks but some can get up and go and have no problems.

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

I traveled about 75miles. My aftercare was not affected. I drive and own a car so it was not a problem to go back and forth to the doctor.

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.

The first 21 days after surgery I had to eat 1st & 2nd stage babyfoods. I had to have a protein with every meal (baby chicken, beef, or turkey or soft boiled egg). It got real old after a week and a half. Then softer foods were gradually added. Seven months post-op and I am just starting to be able to eat bread (thin and light) and I cannot drink milk. If it's meat it has to be very tender or I will chew, chew, chew then try to swallow then throw up. Everybody is different.

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

My activity level increased gradually. I was never one to exercise so I had to start a walking program and I use dumbells. Now I love to walk and play with my kids. Lots of energy!!!!

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

I have to take a multiple once a day, calcium 3x/day, B6 once a day, and iron 2x/day.

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 HAD IT ALL! I was nauseaus when I tried to add new foods, I had trouble sleeping for about 2 weeks, I have dumping when I have something too sweet, and I had hair loss but the vitamins are helping that a lot. I knew that they were temporary and in the long run I would start to feel great.

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

THE BABYFOOD!!! UGH!

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

My surgeon has a support group at the hospital. It is very important to attend (even though I can't get to them all) because when you go through that depression you realize that there are others going through the same thing.

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

NO BIKINIS LADIES!!! Mine looks like and upside down smile. My family doctor thinks it looks like a mark left by a hot iron.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't experienced that yet (YET, I'm waiting).

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!! People want to talk to me but I think it is because I carry myself differently. I have a whole lotta confidence.