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

Another gal in the area where I was teaching had had the surgery. She told me it was the best thing she had ever done for herself. She did not encourage me to do it, but encouraged me to explore all the areas and feelings I needed to before I even met with the surgeon. She got me in to see her surgeon on the side. I am forever greatful to Darlene. She allowed me to see myself for who I was inside and not the fat on the outside. She was a tremendous inspiration.

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

Since I am a resident of Canada, we are very fortunate and don't have to work insurance approval.

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

I wish he would have given me written material to read and take home to read. It would have given me a chance for me to go over the information several times rather than just trying to remember what was said during that visit. I would have also liked to speak to a few other patients. That way I could have compared their experiences and weight loss results and future ramifications.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was sick of being fat. It opportunity seemed to come along at the right time. It was available for me so I took it as a message that it was meant to be.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I did not have an option as to which procedure was to be done. I was given a schematic drawing of the procedure and that was the only tangible piece of information that I walked away with.

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 not to think about what could happen. I tried to stay positive and any suggestions that were given prior and immediately following the surgery I did. The sooner I got out of bed the better I started to fell. It was a way for me to take control of my physical self. I had come this far with other people making decisions about my physical appearance, I was not about to let others make those important decisions. Try to stay positive and get out of bed as soon as possible. It may be tough but you are able to take control!

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 just told my family about the surgery. My parents did not like the idea. I was 25 years old and I felt that they could either support me or I would have to do it all by myself. They could see that there was no changing my mind. They were very supportive and were their for the surgery and the immediate recovery period. They have also been a constant source of support now that the surgery happened eight years ago. I wish they would have gotten more of an opportunity to read material about the surgery then. They are very interested and are searching out information on the internet for me and for themselves. My siblings have also been very supportive. I married three years after the surgery and my in-laws on the other hand think I did the most stupid thing. They both were very worried when I became pregnant. They thought that the babies would either get no nutrition or I would be very ill or the babies would be born with a staple in the head. Well I am proud to say that I had two very healthy pregnancies with a singleton birth and a multiple birth. I only told a select few of friends at the beginning. My parents felt that no one really needed to know that I had surgery to lose weight. I think they felt that that would show that they failed as parents. Then they started to feel comfortable with the idea and it doesn't bother them anymore if I tell people.

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

I really didn't share with my employer that I was having this surgery. Being a teacher, I had the surgery during the summer months and most of my recooperation time was my own time. I did tell them after I returned to work in the fall. They were very supportive.

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

My stay at the hospital was very intimidating at first. I had never been to the hosptial for anything before. I was healthy so there had never been a need. The preparations were alittle scary, however the nurses were very understanding. My hospital stay was six days. The usual time frame was 7 - 10 days I was told. But I wanted to get out of there and be at home with my parents plus I had had success with the firsts that are required once having major surgery. I brought along hobby items, reading materials, a planner, and activities I could do with my younger sister who was there with me.

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

The only immediate complication from the surgery was an infection in my incision. They took the staples out a little too early and because there was so much skin there there was extra pressure on it. I was prescribed flamazine to assist in the healing.

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 always seemed hungry and tired. I went back to work four weeks after my surgery and it was hard trying to hide the fact that I had had surgery from the rest of my coworkers. It seemed as though they were watching my every move. I think I was just a little overwhelmed. I had one very close friend who had had the surgery and knew what I might be going through and was an excellent support. My roommate was also very supportive. I lived 10 hours away from any of my family so they were constantly phoning to see how was doing and feeling.

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

I was very fortunate because my parents and siblings doted on me. They were always trying to make sure I was comfortable. They were a little too over-protective because they constantly were trying to do everything for me. I needed to go for walks daily even though I often did not feel like getting off the couch or out of bed. I was constantly setting daily goals for my self. I was afraid that some days I did try to do too much because there were times I felt awful and dizzy. I did do a few stupid things inregards to foods. I really did not like having to be on a liquid diet for six weeks. So I tried to push it a little to soon. I tried to eat a cooked lasgna noodle wrapped around mozzarella cheese one week after surgery. What a stupid mistake. I was still chewing the old way (i.e.: not enough to make it small enough to get past my teflon band). What horrible pain. It was just disgusting. I took it a lot slower after that incident.

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

My surgery occurred in Edmonton, Alberta. After I was released from the hospital I was driven five and half hours to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to where my parents lived. It was an easy ride, as my parents came up to Edmonton in their motorhome and then drove me home in it. I slept and laid down the entire way. Four weeks after surgery I drove by myself to where I was teaching at that time. It was ten hours aways. (Straight driving) I had a lot of water and easily digestible food for the drive. I also took a few barf bags along with me as I was afraid I might feel the urge. Thank goodness it didn't.

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 always have had good/bad food days since my surgery. Sometimes the foods I have done well with change. For instance, onions will really effect me most of the time, however, depending on what it is combined with the effects are either extreme or minimal. Fried or simmered onions are totally off limits as they cause havoc with my bowels. If I combine these simmered onions within a rice casserole there is limited effect. The foods that cause me the most discomfort are fatty and rich foods. I am very fortunate as I have heard that others have had to stay far away from most gaseous foods.

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

Prior to surgery I was very active. I played volleyball, softball, and walked everywhere. Since my surgery the days postop were hard. I sometimes did not feel I had the energy to even make it down the driveway (approx. 12ft) let alone around the block. I set specific goals. Kept a journal and rewarded myself when I accomplished those goals.

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

Following my surgery the doctor told me I would only need to take two multi-vitamins a day. During the past five years I have had great flucuations in my vitamin levels. At present I take two multi-vitamins, four calcium citrate pills, two magnesium and iron tablets daily. I also receive a b-12 injection every four weeks.

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?

The only side effect that has consistently remained since surgery is what one internist calls Type-I dumping. I find that this dumping can also be affected by my stress levels. The more stressed I am the greater the dumping symptoms.

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

Not having continued follow-up with professional who understand the process and are able to assist me with ease. I find that I am constantly seeking out professionals who understand the surgery and can define and/or prescribe so that I can limit my difficulties. There is very few professionals in our area that are familiar with these procedures.

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

I don't have any aftercare. It is extremely frustrating as I feel that I am the only one out here. No one can see or help me with the needs that I have.

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

My scar is fairly long. I did have an infection in it during the weeks following my surgery, so it is larger at the breast bone than down around my navel. My scar has completely turned white and is not that obvious. My friend who had the same surgery three years prior to mine still has an extremely red scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am constantly looking for assistance and guidance in setting up appropriate daily food intake amounts and over all understanding and guidance.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I noticed it more in the three years following my surgery. I had been away from my family home and most of my friends did not recognize me or were very nosey. I do find that I receive better service when going into clothing stores and restaurants.