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

I saw an advertisement in a magazine for Bariatric Treatment Centers in September of 2000 and decided to call. They provided me with a video tape and information. I was hooked, however my insurance had different ideas. BTC was not covered as I have a self insured employer. Learned the University of Chicago had a surgery program and my employer is affiliated. Scheduled an appointment for myself without a referral. Took 6 months to get in for the appointment. Was approved by the team.

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

Anthem BC/BS. Was denied on the first letter. Approved on the appeal. Found that Anthem follows their rules to the letter and you must send them what they ask for plus a little more. Sent photographs, letters of support and recommendations from two of the physicians that have treated me in the past 5 years.

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

Met with Dr. Alverdy following the psych evaluation, physical and nutritionist interview. He was very nice, appeared comfortable with himself and with me. Was compassionate and sincere in his approach and it was obvious that obesity and its complications was understood by him. I did not have many questions as I had actively researched the procedure and other staff members had already provided information. Was a good experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am forty eight years old and have been on at least 48 diets. I have accomplished a lot in my life but could have accomplished so much more without all of the hangups that come with obesity. I believe this will be the final hurdle. I will be able to live the last half of my life with higher feelings of self worth and will be able to tie my shoes, sit on a folding chair, get up from the floor and turn over in bed.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Roux en Y was the answer for me from the first time I read about it. It offers a higher chance for weight loss and maintenance. I would have it tomorrow if they called.

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?

My biggest fear was the possibility of blood clots. I had no fear of dying as the death rate from this surgery is low and I was in relatively good health. I did not have a problem with blood clots, however developed a bowel obstruction at 3 weeks post op which resulted in a 5 day hospitalization with a nasogastric tube. This was very uncomfortable and expensive for me. I had not read about bowel obstructions as a possible occurrence and was totally unprepared mentally for this set back. Everything worked out and I continue to move forward in this journey.

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?

Inititally there were no negatitive comments. However now that I have lost a significant amount of weight, there are some comments coming from staff at work and family. A co-worker announced for my benefit that she had lost 6 pounds, but had done it the right way. My sister in-law has made numerous comments about my really large clothes being a godsend for the Goodwill. I have been able to take it all in stride so far.

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

Supportive. Made allowances with my work schedule within policy. I missed 12 days of work.

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

I was in the hospital for 4 days. There was a disagreement between my surgeon and the radiologist as to whether or not I had a leak in the surgical connections resulting in an extra day's stay. The radiologist was not available over the weekend and then was unable to fit me in on Monday for a second test. Houseslippers are a must as you will be walking in the hall. Chapstick is also a necessity. Your basic hygiene items as you want to be clean and comfortable.

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

Bowel obstruction in the third week following surgery resulted in a 5 day hospitalization. It resolved itself without surgery. Constipation has been a problem and may have been a precursor to the bowel obstruction. I now take colace and Citrucel daily to keep this condition in check.

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

Anticipation. Could hardly wait. Anxiety level was not high until the day of the surgery. Waiting to be called and having my time delayed by 5 hours was very difficult. Overall remained positive and excited.

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

Slept in a recliner for the first week. Was able to move to the bed by the second week and was sleeping well by the third week. Eating was a challenge, taste had changed a lot. Only have vomited once in the first 6 weeks. Swallowing the vitamins and calcium is a challenge. Still working on this. Eating very slowly and eating very small bites is a must. Finding food that inspires me to eat is also a challenge.

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

Hospital and clinic are only 1 1/2 hours from my home. This has not been a problem.

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

I attend a monthly support group at my surgeon's clinic. It has been beneficial. I wonder at this time why some of the people continue to come when they are more than 2 years out of the surgery. I guess I will know the answer to this question when I get there.

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

Minimum scarring as I had the laprascopic procedure. Five one inch scars on my abdomen.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had many plateaus, but I read the postings from others and get encouragement and support from them. Each plateau has ended and I have continued to successfully lose weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Since my weight loss it seems that people see me now. Before there were times when I was ignored, people avoided eye contact and I was seldom singled out for any type of positive interaction with others.