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

I had heard about it when Carnie Wilson had it done. I thought if it worked for her, then it might help me.

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

I haven't been approved yet. But I am sticking to it. I guess I would have to say don't give up, and don't let anyone tell you that it is really stupid. Those who don't have to fight with their weight really don't understand. It took me four different insurance changes before I could get the surgery covered. After almost 10 years of waiting for insurance to cover my surgery, my wait was over in 2009. The best thing that happened is I had to 6 months of physician supervision before having my surgery.

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

I got a chance to ask questions. If the surgeon has a seminar, go to it. Here is an opportunity to meet the surgeon in a less stressful situation. ASK QUESTIONS!!! Don't assume, ever. Take notes and bring a friend or family member.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Too many health problems and I don't want to be 400lbs at 40

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Roux en y

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'm not afraid

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 dad was extremely supportive. My brother and some friends felt that if I was more active and "ate" correctly I would loose weight. My boyfriend shortly after my surgery found out he is a type 2 diabetic so he had to learn how to eat properly and make a lot of the same lifestyle changes that I made.

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

Not great, but I also found out my job was relocating. I was lucky that my job allowed my to post into a new position.

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

Intimidating. But this is your chance to see who your potential surgeon and staff are like. I am because I got a chance to see both surgeons and get a feeling for both.

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

It as good as any surgery stay can be expected. Nice that it was quiet, and that any time I need any assistance I got the help in under a minute

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

Extreme nausea and vomiting. Cinnamon Tic Tacs help, but I had to have an EDG and brought in for IV Fluid. I also had to be put on anti-nausea meds. My surgeon was very understanding

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 just wanted to be able to return to work with no complications. Unfortunately that didn't happen. I dealt with post surgery boredom by making trips to the library, walking when I felt able and spending time at a friends house petsitting.

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

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. I know this sounds so weird but don't push and take naps. Listen to your surgeon and don't stray from the dietary changes. You'll pay. Also if you are a female, you will get your period.

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

Not far, I live a couple of miles from the hospital

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 did fine for the first three weeks and then I couldn't eat or drink anything without bathroom trips. The things I could eat were clear brothy soups that had very soft vegetables or mashed potatoes with Unjury chicken soup mixed in. Applesauce was a great friend. So far chicken, Brussel sprouts, and raw crunch vegetables don't agree.

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

It is slowing working up

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

Multivitamin, iron, b12 and calcium citrate

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?

Nausea and vomiting. The nausea has been with me since 4 weeks out and is starting to let up.

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

Nausea and vomiting post bariatric surgery. I would also tell anyone that if they still have their gallbladder, to watch out for any changes in their eating habits, right side pain.

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

It is so very important, because you get ideas and help from those who have had the surgery before you and you can ask questions that you would feel embarrassed to ask the surgeon.

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

I have 4 little and one medium sized incisions that go in a little circle right under my breasts. Kinda looks like an upside down smiley face

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was stuck at 230 for a while until my gallbladder decided not to work. Right now, I'm down to 220 and am losing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do