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

The first time I heard of bariatric surgery was when my friend had hers done in June 2003. She was quite a bit larger than me so it never even crossed my mind that I could get it done. My first impression of it was good. I thought that it was only for really big people and that you had to be like 200 pounds overweight to get it. Since I was just over 100 pounds over I didn't think I needed it.

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

I had a wonderful experience getting approved for surgery. For my insurance I only needed a psychological evaluation and cardiac/pulmonary clearance for surgery. I had those both completed within 3 weeks and then my records and request was sent to my insurance. The medical group forwarded the request to my insurance carrier (since they have the final say) and was approved in four working days. As for advice, please don't give up. Not all insurance companies are quick. Call them once or twice a week once they have gotten your request, be helpful (like asking them if they need anything additional for your file), but most of all be nice. No one likes to be treated badly. You could also write a heart felt letter to your insurance carrier explaining why you need this surgery. You never know, it could be the deciding factor in getting that approval.

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

I only had 2 visits with the surgeons office before my surgery. The first one was my consultation, which was with his PA (physicians assistant) and the second was my pre-op visit...also with his PA. The first visit was really quick for me because I had done my research. He reviewed my stats and file then asked me if I had any questions. I really didn't have any at the time so I was done! People can get the most out of this meeting by getting all their questions answered about the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I admitted to myself that I was fat and that I needed help. A key deciding factor was my endocrinologist who I was seeing for diabetes. Getting pregnant has been something that my husband and I greatly desire. When I told her that I was going to try ovarian drilling to help get us pregnant she told me that it was fine, but I have got to loose my weight. She also told me that if I got pregnant she was going to put me on insulin injections as soon as that test is positive, which will only put more weight on me...and I didn't want that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the laproscopic RNY because it was the most commonly performed and also had the best results. Also, this is the only procedure my surgeon does.

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 had fears long ago, before I really researched the procedure. Also, I prayed. I used to get a bad feeling in my stomach everytime I would start to think about having the surgery done. One night after I had cried my pity cry for being fat I prayed. And I prayed hard. I asked God to take the feeling in my stomach away if this surgery was for me and if He was going to look out for me. I went to bed that night and when I woke up the next morning that feeling was gone. It never returned. I would tell them that fear is natural. Many people have fear of this. The only thing I can think of is to be as informed as possible and to ask as many questions as you need to...no matter how dumb you may think they are.

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?

At first my family and friends were against it. They told me that I didn't need it and that I wasn't big enough to have it done. The more I informed them of the surgery and that yes...I did qualify, the more supportative they became. I wouldn't have changed my communication at all...not everyone understands what it's like to be obese...so I just educated them as best as I could and left it at that. Everyone has been very supportive after my surgery.

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

My manager was excited for me when I told her of my decision. I told her that I would be needing some time off soon because I was trying to get gastric bypass surgery done...and was hoping for a summer surgery date. All she asked was that I keep her posted of my surgery date so she could get my position covered while I was out. I was off work for 4 weeks.

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

My hosptial stay wasn't bad at all. My nurses were good...the aides were prompt. All in all I had a good experience. I was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days. I had surgery on a Tuesday afternoon and went home on Friday. The most important things to bring would be an extra pillow, slippers, toothbrush...stuff like you would bring if you were going to travel.

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

No. No complications at all.

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 really didn't have any anxiety. Sure, I could have killed my husband when he brought home pizza when I was 6 days post op and still on liquids. But I sipped my broth knowing that it was best and that I would do just fine without it. As time went on it got easier...the more foods I was able to add the more "normal" I started to feel.

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

My first few weeks home from the hosptial were the hardest. At first I missed food...but started feeling good as the pounds fell off and my clothes got looser. I also found that my energy was skyrocketing! I also noticed that my body temp changed...I went from always being hot to getting cold very easily. Learning to eat again was the most interesting. At first I was so afraid to try new foods because I'd heard of getting sick...but I had to eat...so I would try a bite and wait a few minutes to see how I felt...if it went down good...I had a few more bites until I was done. I weighed everything at first because it was still hard for me to throw food away/not finish my plate. You should expect a wide range of emotions...from depression to elation. You are going to go from pain in the first few days to feeling great in a matter of weeks. It's really a different road for each patient...so just be prepared for anything...and don't fret. Whatever you are feeling...is completely normal!

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

I only had to travel about 40 minutes for my surgery.

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.

For me at the time my surgeon's policy was protein only until you have lost 75% of your excess weight. That has since changed. But...at the time I was on liquida only for the first week...broth, sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles, water, water, water. Then I was released to do soft proteins like eggs, cottage cheese, cheese, tuna (w/ mayo), beans. At 3 weeks post op I was able to add chicken, pork and other proteins. At 4 weeks out I was able to add red meat. I started to add vegetables at almost 3 months out when I was almost at my 75% loss. When I saw the nutritionist at 3 months out I was told then that I could add vegetables & fruits but to stay away from the breads, pasta & grains. I could also add dairy like milk & yogurt. I discovered that regular milk made me very gasy and I didn't feel well so I switched to the Hood Carbcountdown milk which I can tolerate just fine. I'm now at a point where I can eat just about anything within reason and be fine.

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

I found that my energy level was through the roof at about 3 weeks out. I was bouncing off the walls trying to keep busy and yet not give myself a hernia.

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

I take Optisource Multivitamins 4x a day, Calcium citrate 2x a day, and once a day I take B1 (100mg), B6 (50mg) & Biotin (100mg). Twice a week I take 1000mcg sublingual B12.

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 (and still don't at almost a year out) deal with much nausea. I would have to say the dumping is the worst. When I dump I don't vomit, so that's not bad. I have learned that I can avoid dumping by avoiding sugary things and high fat things.

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

Not doing it sooner!

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

I currently attend 3 support groups that I find very important. It helps me connect to other people who have had the surgery as well as gaining insight from them on things that I may be facing. I can also help newer post ops/pre ops with my experiences.

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

My scars (7 of them) are very small and fading. Yes.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I didn't really hit my first plateau until I was 7 months post op when my weight loss came to a screeching halt for 8 weeks. I got to 148 and then went up to 150 for a while. Finally after 8 weeks I got down to 146 and have been fluctuating again around 145-150. I'm not really loosing anymore weight right now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Sadly yes. People who don't know me are more friendly towards me now whereas before I would have been ignored or looked at like "oh, check out that fat girl." Men in particular are giving me more attention.