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

My Aunt Cathy, who in an R.N. told me about it. She said with all my health problems and how overweight I am, I would qualify in a heartbeat. She told me to start having my PCP documment that my health issues were due to the weight, which would help me have it covered by my insurance, the word "surgery" scared me to death.

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

I had no trouble at all

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

My first meeting was with a wonderful surgeon. Of course I was totally a nervous wreck & unprepared (ok, so I had a list of my medical problems and the medications I was on). I answered all of his questions, but being as I was a bit clueless on what to ask, I left wexcited, yet confused. At the sugguestion of the DR.'s wife, I joined this website (which I am eternally greatful for) & a bariatric support group (which is a must). I have spent many hours on this site reading & met so many people via this site & from the support group that by the time I went to see the second surgeon (due to an insurance SNAFU), I was totally prepared and came of the gate at full speed with a million questions for the second Dr. My advice ask alot of questions and take notes!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I read Carni Wilson's story in People magazine and thought to myself, I can do this. I may be a big baby, but I want to be a Healthier, Happier, Thinner new me and Damn it, it's time to bite the bullet, so to speak. So I consulted my family and they are behind 100%.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was so confused with all the types and which was best. I had lots of people telling me this and taht, that Iw as so confused I wanted to cry. So, I had it set in my mind that I wanted the Lap RuenY transected, and that was that. Then after discussing it with the second surgeon, his reasoning of why he does the Open RuenY-distal, made sense to me and my mom, so I decided to go with that.

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?

Of course those fears are oh so strong at first, but then I sat down and weighed (no pun intended) the options. 1. Stay Fat, Unhealthy, Hot, Miserable and possibly die early from that or 2. Take the risks of being a Happier, Healthier, Thinner New Me. Remember that saying as a kid, 1st is worse, 2nd is best? Well, my choice was crystal clear, I'd take "best" over worse anyday. Don't get me wrong, I am still scared, but that is ok.

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?

When I discussed this with my family, they were behind me 100%. I thought my Dad & his wife would take convincing, but surprising they were very happy for given and will continue to give me as I take this journey to becoming the new and improved me.

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

I am a stay-at-home Mommy and a homemaker, so I needed to have some extra hands around the house and with my lil girl. Which my mother-in-law will do and my Mom will help me as best she can being as she has back troubles. Not sure as to how long I will be down, being as I have not had my surgery yet.

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

I was in the h ospital 6 days, 2 of which were in ICU. Music is a key thing to bring, the rest, they have.

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

Fevers and no bowel sounds for days

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

Horrible, in pain, sick, nauseated ALOT and terrible diarreah. The meds for the nasea made it worse, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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

It's going to be rough, be prepared.

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

30 minutes

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.

it started with broth, jello, juice, the mashed taters, refried beans cottage cheese. It was a slow process.

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

In bed the 1st 2 days, only got up for a spit bath by my mommy,then took a few walks a day fow a month.

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

double dose of prenatal vitamins, trinsicon (b12, C, folic acid, and a liver enzyme). I now have added Calcium.

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, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc. I got it all. Oh lucky me.

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

The pain moving around after surgery, OUCH!!!

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

I didn't really keep up with a support group, just saw my DR on a regular basis as required.

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

Pubic bone to breast bone. It's not the prettiest thing, but I call it my battle scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My plateau didn't hit until my 5th yr.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yea, everyone says I look great and can tell how much better I feel.