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

My Primary care physician suggested it and I said no, I was not ready to give up the more traditional ways of weight loss. I felt to do this was admission that I was a total failure.

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

It was difficult because they were not forthcoming with all the requirements. I initially let the clinic make the contacts because I was afraid I would say something that would cause them to refuse. My suggestion is that you talk to them yourself asking very direct questions. I would talk to one person and get one story then when talking to another would get a different answer. It is essential that you keep a log of who you talked to, when you spoke, what was discussed and what the answers were.

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

It was basically like any other doctors visit. Be prepared with your questions by writing them down.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went to a support group and heard the doctor and support staff speak as well as other post-op patients. I began to understand that the process of loosing weight was not as simple as pushing yourself away from the table, especially when you are in the catagory of morbidly obese. I saw and heard from people who had once given up on living a normal life and who now were on their way to a healthy weight and life. I saw hope for the first time in my life. I fought back the tears and knew this was an answer to many years of prayer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Because I had problems with gall stones, the gall bladder was taken out, therefore, open was necessary.

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 friend who had died of infection about 10 years before, but the risk of maintaining and gaining weight was far worse than the fears. I really did not have specific fears of dying. I knew it was possible but Jesus was in my heart so there was not fear. As for the complications, I heard the doctor's explanation and percentages, but I did not really focus on them. My sister had the surgery 5 weeks before me (a different doctor and clinic) and the only problem she had was gas while in the hospital. Since my clinic used gastic tube routinely I thought this problem was addressed. I went in pretty cocky thinking the only problem I witnessed was not going to happen to me. Boy, was I in for an education. I had thrush before I left the hospital and was unable to keep down any food and most drinks for 9 weeks. I was readmitted four weeks following surgery where they tried to put the gastric tube back in but they were unsucessful. I spent 5 days in the hospital because of dehydration and to receive medications I was unable to take by mouth. I would highly suggest that as soon as you are given a date for surgery begin taking acedolphalous on a daily basis to try to offset the possibility of getting this infecton.

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?

My friends and family were very supportive. They knew I have been trying all my life to overcome this problem but was unsuccessful. They knew I was having more and more trouble with mobility and that physically I was heading downhill fast. I couple of people shared their concern because of people they knew who did not survive, but when I explained that I also knew someone who died yet the risk was higher to do nothing, they understood my decision and were then supportive. Before and after surgery I have had the highest level of support.

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

My employer was very supportive and gave me whatever time was necessary to go through surgery and the recovery process. I work for an accountant and scheduled the surgery for May which is our slowest month. I took 6 weeks off work which I found I needed for physical and emotional healing, because of the complications. After returning to work there were still other complications which required my returning to the hospital and seeing the doctors on numerous ocassions. He let me take whatever time was necessary for all appointments without docking me any pay. Bless his heart.

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

The surgery stay was fine. I was there 5 days. Bringing books and music were important. The tv in Holy Cross is poor at best.

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

Immediately following surgery I had some respiratory problems so they sent me to intermediate care over night. I received breathing treatments each day and had no problems after that.

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

Getting a date was a battle between the insurance company and the clinic which was not as tenatious as me. Once the authorization number was obtained I was given a date. It was an incredible feeling to know that finally there was a date. There was little anxiety once the date was set. I went through the various classes and appointments and the time went quickly.

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

Mine was not pleasant. I had thrush before leaving the hospital and went the weeks following surgery unable to keep food and drinks down. I was also unable to take medications needed to treat the thrush. The first two weeks were spent in a hotel because my home was 250 miles from the clinic. For me this time away from home and being nausous and throwing up daily was extremely depressing. I missed my family and friends so much that when going for my two week checkup when the doctor wanted to keep my gastic tube in for two more weeks, I begged him to take it out. I had throught that as long as the gastic tube was in that I would have to stay close by. He agreed and two weeks later I was back with continued problems. He wanted to put the tube back in so I could eat, drink and take meds through the tube until I was well. They were unable to accomplish this so I was back in the hospital for 5 more days. It was so depressing to be far from home again. My mother, sister and aunt were very supportive while I was home. They kept putting my meals before me which I tried every time but continued to throw up. If I had it to do over again I would have let the doctor keep the tube in; I think my recovery would have been faster.

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

I was 250 miles from the clinic so there were numerous trips for aftercare until the new clnic was opened in the Orlando area. Then post op appointments were much more convenient. Regardless of how far I needed to travel it would not have mattered. The worst part of being far was when I was in the hospital and not close to home. I need my family and friends; they are my support and vital to recovery. My Mom and sister accompanied me to the hospital when it was necessary, but my extended family and friends were also vital.

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.

The program calls for protein only three times per day until 75% of my weight was lost. I tried eating three meals each day but was unable to keep anything down. After two weeks I was given permission to try protein shakes which were marginally tolerated. After 7 weeks of throwing up daily my doctor said that weight loss was not an issue as much as finding something to stay down. He gave me permission to try other things (carbs) so I could eat something. The only thing that stayed down was saltines and potatoes. When I went for my first followup appointment at the new clinic in Orlando the doctor said the problem was no longer thrush and an endoscopy showed a constriction in my esophagus which was dilated. The next ten days were perfect. I was able to eat protein without any trouble. Eating problems started cropping up again and one month later another endoscopy showed an ulcer; medication was prescribed and eating became easier. Once I was able to eat anything fish was the best tolerated. Only during the 6th month was I able to tolerate chicken. Ground beef was somewhat difficult to digest. Cheese had been my mainstay. Another bariatric patient suggested I try filet mignon. I had already tried a variety of steaks at the local grocery store and found it marginally tolerable. I went to a specialty meat market and bought the filet mignon that cost $18 per pound and it melted in my mouth. It went down so well and tasted incredible. At 6 months out I can eat about 4oz so paying $18 per pound still makes me a cheap date. It is well worth it and the butcher was more than willing to cut the meat to meet my needs. The other thing I found with eating was that if I buy something and it does not taste good to me, then I will not eat it. Most things can be eaten by others in my home, but if it is wasted then fine. What little fits in my pouch is going to be good.

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

Initially there was little activity but more because of depression. AFter a month a special friend would come over on Wednesday afternoon and we would spend 3 to 4 hours sitting in my pool. Getting outside in the sunshine proved to be the best thing for me. It is proven that not getting any sun for extended periods leads to depression because of lack of vitamin D. Once I was able to eat my energy levels increased dramatically. I am able to walk and do things I was not able to do for years.

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

BariVits are designed specifically for bariatric patients, for their special absorbtion needs. These include B-12 which is vital. Also calcium citrate, CoQ10, zinc, acidophalous, vitamin C, potassium. I was unable to take any of these until 9 weeks out when the nausa and vomitting stopped. Then I began a strict schedule which I continue today.

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?

Nausia and vomiting were by far the worst problems and I did not cope very well. As stated before I was back in the hospital because of these problems. Initially they were because of thrush and once that was under control the cause was a constriction in my esophagus. Once it was dilated things went very well for ten days. Then the problems started again and it was discovered there was an ulcer. Medications were added and nausia and vomiting virtually disappeared. Hair loss became disturbing when it started two months after surgery and continue for about 4 months. I think it was as bad as it was because I was unable to eat for so long. I coped with this by taking zinc, changing my shampoo and going to my hair stylist. He changed my style to one that hid the hair loss. I also had my hair dyed. It was amazing how it lifted my spirits.

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

The complications have been many and long lasting. During my 5th month I had abdominal pain which turned out to be pancreatitus. They thought there might have been a gall stone that was missed during the initial surgery. I was in the hospital again for 7 days expecting to undergo surgery to resolve this problem, but tests indicated there was no visible stone. It either passed or the pain was because of another problem. I am praying that the stone passed and that I will not visit this problem again. For the last month there have been few problems. It is the longest I have gone without a problem. I am really beginning to believe that the worst is past and it will be much smoother going from here.

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

US Bariatric has one of the most comprehensive and complete support programs of any clinic in the world. It is outstanding and well worth the $600 I had to pay at the beginning. It is absolutely essential to my success. I have set aside at least two years where this is my primary activity. I take every class available and even go each week and help with the information sessions for people researching the surgery. I decided that I need to be a bit selfish with my time and activities since there is a limited window of opportunity until the body readjusts to the new configuration. Since I had 250 to 275 lbs to loose, these two years are essential. I cannot imagine how I would feel going through all my complicatons without the support system.

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

My scar is a bit raised but in my book it doesn't matter. There is no pain and since staples were not used it looks much better than my sisters. When I saw the problems my sister had with her scar (her surgery was 5 weeks before mine) I was ecstatic to see mine was not closed with staples.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

During the 5th month I began to experiment with some carbs like mushrooms, dill pickle, spinach, and other similar vegetables I was shocked to find that the weight loss slowed considerably. I did not understand since the carbs never added to more than 4 or 5 per day. The doctor said my metabolism was so slow that even a few carbs was showing an effect. I went back to protein only and the loss increased again. During my 6th month I have experienced a few times where I wanted a fourth meal. I had to really resist this desire since it ocurred in the evening which is where my pre-surgery problems were the worst.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am getting more attention from people. They are more friendly and more willing to help. I have been getting second glances from guys and more smiles. I don't know that I can attribute this totally to my smaller body, but also to my increased confidence. I carry myself differently and I believe that has a major affect on how others perceive me.