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

I had a close friend that had a VBG 2 years earlier. She lost weight but was still in women's sizes. When I read Carnie Wilson's story in People magazine, I felt possessed and electrified. I knew I had to research this and fast.

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

The WLS office dealt with insurance. I was approved in about a week.

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

I had already done a lot of research on the web so I had very little to ask him. Any questions you might have, write down and take with you. I do this every time. I pull out my list and write down his answers so I will remember them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After I read about Carnie Wilson, I tried to just forget about it, but I couldn't. I knew this was my last and only chance to be normal size.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At first I wanted a VBG as the RNY sounded so drastic. I was kidding myself. I wanted success but didn't want to be troubled. I finally realized that the RNY had the better success rate and I wanted to succeed.

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 tried to keep it in perspective. The chances were very slim that I would die, but I did write letters to my hubby and kids just in case. That made me feel better.

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. Some wanted to learn more about it to understand it. But everyone knew I was determined and they supported me.

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

I work at a school so I had surgery during the summer.

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

My surgery was Wednesday morning and I went home on Friday afternoon. Everyone was very nice and attentive. I was very worried about the stay as I am not easily pleased. I had my parents stay at a hotel across the street from the hospital just in case I needed anything. But the care was so great I was grateful. I really didn't need much. Lip balm, shampoo, lotion and pillow.

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

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?

I just read as much as I could about the surgery. I emailed people about their experiences.

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

I made myself get up and walk every 2 hours. I didn't have a lot of pain but did sleep in a recliner for the first 2 weeks. At days 7 and 8, I had a pull under my right breast that was very, very uncomfortable. That was frustrating but only lasted 2 days.

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

I traveled about 60 miles for surgery and aftercare. I attended meetings at 4 weeks post-op. By 10 weeks, I found a support meeting that was much closer.

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 was on liquids for 3 weeks. That included cream of wheat and malt-o-meal. I went to soft solid foods after week 3. That list included crackers, cheese, lean deli meat, beans, some fruits and more. I have found grits to be the only thing I can't tolerate.

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

I would walk 10 minutes every 2 hours for the first week or so I was home. I began moving more and by 5 weeks I was walking a mile a day.

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

I take a multi-vitamin, calcium citrate, iron (on and off), and sublingual B-12.

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 didn't have any side effects. I am now at 3 months and my hair is starting to fall out a bit.

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

I was prepared with what happened to me after surgery after reading everyones profiles. The hardest part was the 3 weeks of liquids. That was harder than the surgery.

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

The aftercare group at my doctors went over the same thing each week for new people. But the sharing with other patients was helpful. I found a closer support group that is not run by doctors. The advice from people further out than myself was invaluable.

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

The scar is the least of my worries. I am totally fine with it. It is still red and the doctor said it will get a little thinner.