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

My coworker had the surgery in May of 1998. She tried to talk to me about it but I just blew her off. I was still in the denial phase of the weight battle and I was going to START A DIET! HAHAHA! as if that ever worked for me! There was no way I was going under the knife. I had just had my son in Feb of 1998--what if I died? I was not "READY" to face my reality. But then, I saw Catherine after a year and I had put on another 40 lbs. My idea started to sway towards the inevitable....I needed help!

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

My hospital stay was hard. I am a nurse and we are the worst patients next to doctors. I was disappointed in the nursing care. I did however do a lot of complaining to customer services and there have been some changes made since then. I was in for 4 days. Make sure you bring flavored lip balm-Bath and Body Works has great ones. A pomade room freshener to keep your room from smelling bad from the surgical unit--smells tend to make you feel yucky. Baby wipes help to keep you feeling fresh since it's like 3-4 days before you can take a shower. scented lotion. Make sure you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to WALK even thought it's uncomfortable.

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

The only real problem I had was constipation. I took stool softeners and increased my water intake and that took care of it. Now if I feel a little plugged up, I just eat more fruit and WOW chips and the next day, I'm moving along smoothly.

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

When I got home, I felt drained. I couldn't find a comfortable way to sleep. There was no trapeze to help me out of bed. I didn't have my PCA (pain reliever). So, the first 2 days were rough. Then I just had to get out. So, by day 3 we went out shopping for a couple of hours. By day 5 I could finally sleep on my side--with extra pillows and the BINDER. I was an emotional wreck the first two weeks. I MISSED food. I wanted food so bad I cried-literally! I resented my family for being able to eat whatever they wanted and all I could have was shakes. I went through withdrawals. But, as I started to lose weight and feel better, the sacrifices weren't so bad. Eventually, I began to eat pureed and then solids. Now, I have to remind myself to eat.

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

Initially, you're sore and moving slowly. You need naps. I needed a nap every day and I took them. As stated before, you need to find activities to replace the food. You will go through food withdrawals. I had a nasty taste in my mouth the entire liquid phase. I tried everything to overcome it--it didn't go away until I started eating pureed. Walking helps to get you feeling better.

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

I was fortunate that it was the next city. It's a 10-15 minute drive for support group and 20 to the doctor's. My friend and I make our appointments together and make a day of it.

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 haven't had any "problem" foods. I did have to learn to eat EVERYTHING slower. I have trouble with starting breakfast. I always wake up in a "mild moring-sickness" state. I have to gradually start the day. I had trouble with the multivitamins. I just started the chewables and now can take the regular vitamins.

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

Actually, much better than I expected. I was out shopping 3 days after I got home. The hardest part was getting up to standing position them it was all good after that. I was tired. I needed a nap and I was insomniac at night. That lasted about 3 weeks.

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

I take a Centrum A-Z, sublingual B-12 once a week, iron, and 2 tums. I have also added biotin to help with the hair loss

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?

hair loss has been a concern for me. It's still happening but I've added biotin and Marlyn's for hair and nails to try and combat it. It's real common with rapid weight loss and it grows back. The sleep disturbance went on for about 3 weeks. I just napped when I needed to, my husband took time off and helped me out. I only dumped once when I tried a granola bar--never again!

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

The worst thing was having to resort to this in the first place. I had to go to such drastic measures to lose weight and save my life. I had to deal with that sense of weakness and failure. The next worst thing is the 4 days in the hospital. There is a lot of pain but I realize now that it was worth every tear. I had such great support!

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

I go the the Surilite Support group the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. It's helpful in that there are people in the group from various stages of the procedure. We all share our ups and downs. We offer ideas on foods that "work" and exercise. My friend also had surgery a month after myself so we have the BUDDY SYSTEM for dealing with the new life we have chosen.

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

My scar is still in the healing phase. It is about 10 inches long and extends from just under my xyphoid and "hooks" into my navel. It's still pink and has a slight keloid at the top of the scar but I never had in mind I'd ever wear a bikini, anyways!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had one plateau experience recently. The weight loss just slowed down but I started to swim laps and do more walking and lost 5 pounds over the next 4 days....the exercise is so important!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, interpersonally, I was always outgoing so that hasn't changed. I get a lot of attention as the pounds melt off. I notice that strangers talk with me more. I haven't decided if it's because of the surgery or my attitude.