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

I have known about bariatric surgery for a few years, had known people who had done it. I have wanted to do it for a while (since my weight hit the 300's). It sounded promising, like it was my only option left.

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

When we sent the first letter, it took about 3 weeks to hear from them, and they turned us down for the first time. I was devasted, but with the support of my husband, I was patient. We appealed the decision, and then got approved. Try to be patient while waiting for the insurance company to give you a decision. It's hard, when your life is hanging in the balance. But try to give them time, and make sure you give them ALL of the medical information about yourself that might be relevant to help your case.

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

Well, it was pretty much a general meeting (me and two other people considering the surgery). We watched a video about the surgery, and then we all got to ask him questions and concerns we had. We also met with a dietician (on an individual basis). Come prepared with questions-now matter how dumb, or how silly you might think they are. I know I didn't ask enough questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was at a point (at 340 pounds) where if I didn't start losing the weight, I was going to kill myself. I was so depressed, and angry at the world, for not being able to lose the weight. I had tried everything-from physician supervised liquid diets, weight wathchers, Tops (take off pounds sensibly), nutra-system, dieticians, and therapists. None of these worked for me. I couldn't be motivated enough to do what I had to do. And the surgery looked like it was my last hope to get healthy and happy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't decide, my surgeon decided on the gastric bypass (open). He didn't perform the laproscopy.

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 a lot of fears about complications. But with any surgery, even having your wisdom teeth pulled out, you can die. You can die crossing the street, or driving your car, or riding an airplane. All I know is, if I didn't have the surgery, I was going to die anyways from diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems. It is very scary to think about the complications of the surgery, but it's even scary to think about what life would have been like without the surgery (still being at 340, and not being able to lose weight. I would have probably killed myself).

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 some of them were skeptical. A lot of them didn't know much about the surgery, so they had to be educated. Once I explained to them that the surgery was my only hope, they all supported me 100%. They all loved me, and wanted me to be healthy and happy.

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

My employers were thrilled with the decision that I was taking steps to make myself healthier. I told them I need to lose weight for my health, and that I would be healthier and happier with losing the weight. I hope to be out of work for only 4 weeks (I am 2 weeks post surgery now).

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

The hospital I stayed at (Medical College of Virginia) was very nice. I was there for 3 nights, and 4 days. The things you need to bring are yourself, maybe some toiletries, or a book to read. Though I didn't feel like doing much but sleeping after my surgery.

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

I haven't had any complications with my surgery.

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

It has only been 2 weeks post-op for me. I feel great-I have lost 25 pounds. I am dealing with my anxiety by talking to my husband, my friends, and my family.

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

You are tired the first 2-3 days after the surgery. You are in some pain, the sight where they open you up is very sore, and you will want to take those pain killers. After about 3 days, the soreness starts to go away, and you are feeling a little better. I was constipated a lot when I was taking my pain pills. But after I stopped them, it went away. It is VERY hard to get yourself to eat. I didn't want to eat my 6 meals a day. But I forced myself to eat my cream of wheat, or Dannon Light yogurt. Blenderized food isn't all that appetizing the first few weeks, but I just kept reminding myself of the weight loss I would have. At the end of the first week, my energy levels slowly came back. I was feeling up to going out of the house (having someone else drive me of course). It is painful to walk (for exercise) the first week. Just take things slow, because the second week, things get easier. Once you have the staples taken out, you feel a whole lot better, and a lot less sore. So just hang in there.

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

I had to travel 1 1/2 hours. It hasn't affected my aftercare.

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.

Meatlof-no. it made me so sick, I though I was going to throw up. Grits-no. I don't know why I can tolerate oatmeal and cream of wheat, but my stomach gets upset when I eat grits Off limit foods-breads, eggs, red meats, crackers, chips, sugar. The list goes on

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

The first 3 days after surgery, I slept a lot because of the pain. After that, I started walking outside, or in the mall. And by the end of the first week, my energy level started going back up

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

Vitamin B-12 Tums (for calcium) Ferrous sulfate Flintstones multi-vitamins

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 have only had nausia, which kind of off and on since I have been home from the surgery. I haven't had any other side effects yet.

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

For me, it was having to be intubated through the mouth and nose. That wasn't a fun experience. And the soreness after the surgery. It's a big incision, and the first week, you aren't feeling that great. But it gets better.

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

The Medical College of Virginia has a support group for gastric bypass patients that meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month (I haven't been yet, but heard its great). They send out newsletters, and you get a card that allows you to order off the kids menus at most restaraunts. Also the dieticians and nurse on staff are always available by phone for questions, or concerns I might have.

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

I haven't finished healing yet. (I am 2 weeks post-op)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

none yet