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

I first found out about WLS in the 90's and thought it was such a drastic measure. Over the years I have met at least tons of people to discuss it with, some who have been very positive, some very negative - for their own reasons. I personally met about 50 people who had different procedures before I did. Initially I thought it was something I would never consider because I was happy with myself at whatever size I was. Then, after health issues became increasingly prominent and life became less enjoyable, I reconsidered.

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

No insurance company WANTS to pay - period. However, they will if they are forced. I took this job in 2001 because it was allowed, then in 2002 it was revoked from the plan. Thankfully, my employer decided that this surgery was beneficial for our company and put it back on the plan in 2006. I went through the process back then, but circumstances prevented me from following through until 2009. My advice is to figure out what you need - investigate ALL the procedures and figure out which one is BEST for you - not just what your insurance says they'll pay for - and fight for what you NEED!

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

Do your RESEARCH! Check the clinic and surgeon for how many surgeries they average in a year. Nobody wants to be a new surgeon's guinea pig! Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health had deteriorated (diabetes, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease, HBP, unbalanced cholestorol (low good-high bad) and just the feeling of being out of control. After gaining about 50lbs over the last 2 years and no signs of stopping, I couldn't allow my body to continue unless I wanted an early grave - and who wants that?

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance was my only avenue for payment, so I had the RNY. However, my preference was (and still is) the DS. But I will make the RNY work for me!

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 would tell people that their fears are founded in reason. Anytime you allow someone to cut you open is an opportunity for infection - don't take it lightly! Do all the aftercare that your surgeon/support team recommends! My biggest fear wasn't getting cut or dying - it was actually just the simple fact that *I* was giving up control of my life to someone else. Put simply - TRUSTING - the surgeon. Thankfully, my surgeon is very skilled and the medical facility is a "Center of Excellence" - but even then, it isn't a guarantee.

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?

I am single with no children. My family (siblings & extended) has been very supportive. My brother questioned whether I needed to take such drastic measures early on, so he was a little shocked, since I didn't tell him of my final decision until the day before my surgery. After surgery, not everyone understands the differences in me and my eating habits, but they are completely supportive.

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

My employer was 100% supportive from the beginning. I was out of work for 2 weeks, came back part-time the 3rd week and was back to full time at 4 weeks.

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

It was SCARY before surgery (for me, at least!). Again - it was giving up that control and trusting that the people there were going to do everything I needed. It was VERY helpful to have my sister there with me. After surgery, the morophine made me not give a darn! hehe I checked into the hospital at 5:30am on Tuesday and was discharged by 3pm on Wednesday. The most important thing to bring is something CUTE (and comfortable) to wear going home!

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

Thankfully, my surgery went without a hitch, as well as my recovery.

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 was QUITE upset that it was so far out - it was scheduled in April, but the date was mid-July. But also, relieved because I had a vacation planned in July and would be home 2 days before my surgery date! I mostly avoided anxiety because my vacation took up most of my time with planning and excitement (VEGAS, baby!) and finally enjoyment, but while I was gone my friends kept bringing it up! Mostly because they were excited for me and the changes I'd be going through. When I returned (on a Sunday) home, I went to work the next day to wrap things up there and had to go pick up my sister, grocery shop for her stay with me (had nothing onhand since I was just on vacation for a week) and then it was time for bed for that 4am wake-up call - no time for anxiety!

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

TAKE THINGS SLOWLY! Go for short walks daily - even multiple times a day if possible. Do not expect anything of yourself other than resting and allowing your body to heal, getting that fluid in and sleeping EXTRA. IF - you're feeling better, then increase your activity level to do more walking...

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

I had it locally.

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 ate some scrambled eggs after I was allowed solids. Mistake! I think it was just too soon - they didn't sit well at all, so I avoided them for a couple months, but I have no trouble eating them now! The first couple of weeks were all liquids - yogurt, soup, protien drinks, jello. Once I was cleared for soft solids it was ON! I was told not to eat shrimp as it would get stuck, but I've had some now and it seems fine. I haven't had any sort of steak (or beef) other than ground, but I think as long as I chew & chew & chew & chew (and then chew some more) it'll go down fine. Chicken & fish are staples now, for sure.

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

Mostly walking - no bending or lifting. Once I was cleared to get into the water, then I began water aerobics. I went from barely being able to walk a block without becoming out of breath and severe back pain, to doing multiple laps around my apartment complex daily! A month after surgery I went to the state fair and spent 9 hours on my feet!! Mind you, I was sore for the next few days, but it was miraculous that I was even able to do it for a couple hours!

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

I usually have a protien shake once a day - 29 grams of protien works for me! I've added 1500mg calcium - 1 in the morning, 1 at dinner & 1 at bedtime. 2 Flintstones Complete at lunchtime. 1 sublingual vit B

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 am currently 4 months out. I have vomited a total of 3 times - my own fault each time! Food was too dry or ate it too fast and 3rd time was my nighttime pills? I haven't experienced dumping at all - thank goodness! But then, I'm not eating much sugar - which is generally the primary cause. I am currently experiencing hair loss and my body is FREEZING! I'm beginning to use a protien/moisture shampoo to curb the hair loss, and wearing sweaters and socks to stay warm! (never thought I'd EVER wanna wear sweaters!)

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

The WAIT! I should have done this years ago - but then, I wasn't ready.

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

I have a wide variety of people in my life for support! There is a forum at my surgeon's office that is mainly lecturers, there is also a local support group of post-ops (all different surgeries, not just RNY) as well as many friends who've walked the road ahead of me. It is CRITICAL to have trusted people who have walked the road before you - even if their experience is different than yours, you'll have questions and need to share experiences!

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

I have 6 small incision scars. They're healing nicely and will look fabulous in my new bikinis! I wasn't afraid of scars before because I had plenty of stretch marks anyway - what's a few more lines?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have definitely seen 2 plateaus since surgery. It's a little upsetting to not see the scale move - but the scale isn't the ONLY measure of success. You have to check other measures - are your clothes fitting differently? Do you feel mobility you didn't before? (can you twist and turn now, where it was difficult or impossible before?) If you're experiencing a plateau, don't give in and go off the diet! Your body just needs some 'catch-up' time.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, already. They see me acting differently and respond positively to that. When one lives in constant pain it creates a negative impact on everyone around them. When the pain is lifted, the spirit is lifted as well. Thank goodness!