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

I had read many things on it in the past, when it was not used as frequently as it is today. When Roseanne had it, then Carnie Wilson, and I saw how great they looked....to me it was still a procedure only the rich and famous could or would have. However, having met two co workers who did it, have the same insurance as me, and both were extremely honest regarding their surgery, it became more of a reality.

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

My advice, besides getting all the info you can, is to ASSUME you will need the Basic 4- Pulmonary, Endocrinologist, Nutritionist, and Psychiatric....Make the appointments...get the evaluations or referrals, and be prepared before the Insurance asks for them....and call---call to make sure the info was sent to your insurer. DO ALL THE LEGWORK YOURSELF IF YOU HAVE TO!!!!

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

I had a little notebook with all these questions I had been jotting down in the weeks prior my appointment. However, I really didn't need it because he offered all the answers without me asking. However, I have since come across more questions, and I will ask them next time..

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Both my siblings have weight problems. My sister had it all her life, but she could maintain herself by using Weight Watchers...at the hardest end. When she hit menopausal age---it all came back. My brother, he would go up, down, etc. He ran and completed the NYC marathon for 2 years, then he was again at his highest. I looked at them and though to myself "Well hey, I can do this WW thing, have done it before (key word-before) and now it takes twice as long, and chances are I will be back where I am, if not weighing more....because I guess I just don't have the willpower to do it myself. I know whats good to eat, I know how to eat, I just eat too much I guess.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Well the surgeon made his suggestion, and from all I read, the RNY was the way to go for me. Less chance to screw up.

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?

Believe it or not, my biggest fear was the catheter!!! Having had 2 babies naturally---one 10 pounds, I can tolerate a certain amount of pain...But for some reason the catheter frightens me tremendously. I have had foot surgery before so I am a bit familiar with O/R procedures. I have a fear that I will be the percentage in which this surgery doesn't work, or that they will find something else wrong. Funny, but I am more scared of my dental appointments!!!

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

I just went out sick. I work for a city agency so we are not individuals. My doc has given me 6 weeks out, but I intend to return sooner.

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

The hospital staywas a hospital stay---no rest for the weary. I was admitted on the day of surgery, a Friday , and released the following Tuesday AM. I would say only bring a robe, and your toothbrush and small toiletries....use the hospital gowns, they are easier to deal with and can be cut if needed.

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

I had a little trouble coming off the respirator and for a day after. When I lay flat on my back for any period of time I get extreme Post Nasal drip...Apparently too much fluid accumulated. Use the air pump toy---it helps...and walk , walk, walk!

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 originally had anxiety, but it quickly turned to frustration because I was caught up in my doctor changing hospitals.

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

Luckily I had my sister-in-law, a nurse, help out. The hardest part was not taking care of me, but my children, in which she was a great help. Bending is at first impossible. Sleeping uncomfortable...but it all gradually got better. My 'nurse' made me walk 2 small walks everyday, and gradullay increased it to 3. Probably the best thing she did!!!

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

Maybe a few miles. The only problem it posed was for my visitors.

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 am still on a pureed mushy diet.. As the weeks passed, I noticed that instead of my food level increasing slightly, it was going backwards...smaller and smaller, but I thought 'well hey, maybe this is the way it is supposed to be, sfter all I wasn't hungry" Then I started having trouble with the fluids...3 hours to drink a 12 oz glass. Well I knew you could only tolerate small amounts but this was ridiculous. Then the vomiting occured. Everything I ate or drank felt like it backed up into my throat. So I called the surgeon. The next day I had a visit with the gastroenterologist and it waas a stritchure (sp) The opening to my stomach had scar tissue, common roughly 3 weeks after surgery, and it closed to a very small slit. They inserted a balloon and opened it. What a wonderful feeling to drink again!!! And now I can eat just about anything.

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

I am now at 10 weeks and have such an abundance of energy!!! Its like I have been reborn!!!

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

NAtachews vitamins. 2 tums a day. Prevacid twice a day.

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

THE UPPER GI TEST PRIOR TO LEAVING THE HOSPITAL!!!! 4 days eating nothing and the first thing you taste is that god awful stuff you miust swallow!!! The NG tube and the drainage tube removal. AND the first time I had a bowel movement, frequent because of the IVs. Ever try bending to perform a certain hygeinic thing when you can't bend??

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

I go to the support group meetings once a month. I find it like a second family.

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

Oooohhh!!! I have such a beautiful scar!!!! Perfect line!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had one for about 2-3 weeks. It finally passed. I have had 2 more since I first answered this and they pass.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that people are always watching what I eat. I find it easier to eat alone. I also noticed that people see the loss and the thinning hair and think I must be sick...(these are people who don't know what I did.