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

My family doctor suggested that I might want to look into this new procedure that is being done for obese patients. He knew my medical history and how hard things were getting for me. Then, I went to a conference where a hospital representative was handing out information about their services. I was about to throw the information out when I notices "bariatric surgery" on the back cover. I called the hospital rep and asked her about their services and she told me of a couple doctors that performed the procedure. Then, I ran into my cousin at another hospital and she told me she had the surgery 4 months ago (at that time) and how she was doing. I was sold; hook, line and sinker.

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

My insurance approved the procedure the first time around. But then, I also had 4 physicians supporting me and sending letters to my insuarnce company. Even though my insurance company approved the procedure, it took the doctor's office 4 months to finally set me up for surgery.

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

I was nervous but had a list of questions for him. He sat down after the exam and he answered my questions. Most doctors won't spend time with patients so I was most appreciative. This is a life altering procedure and I wanted to make sure I had all my questions answered.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Seeing the results on my cousin and how HEALTHY she looked.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the procedure with the least/best healing process and would not keep me out of work for a long period of time. The Laproscopic procedure is what I had done. However, my surgeon did informed me that there might be a chance he would have to do the full surgery if complications arise.

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?

It never crossed my mind that there would be any problems. I was/am so centered on getting my health back that I concentrated more on what to expect AFTER the surgery.

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 family was real supportive of me having this procedure. They knew what health problems I was having and how debilitated I was becoming. My parents are such an inspiration to me as they stood by my side and even came over every day to check on me. My mother made sure I was following doctor's orders and eating right. My friends and co-workers have been supportive also.

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

My supervisor was/is very supportive. She knew my health issues and saw me deteriorating. When I told her what my plans were, she "high fived" me and wished me luck. I was out of work for 1 full week. The 2nd week, I went back for 1/2 days.

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

I was a 23 hour admit. The staff were all nice to me. The pre-op nurse was extremely nice and informative (she had the procedure done, too). She made me feel more relaxed. I didn't have to take anything but my copay (I had pre-registered).

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

No complications from the surgery! My IV and pain medicine leaked onto the floor all night long. I tried telling the staff that my feet were wet (when I got up to go to the bathroom) and that I wasn't getting amy pain relief but they chucked it off to the compression pant making my feet sweat and my pre-op pain medication being stronger.

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

The first week after my surgery I was in such pain that my thought was, "What have I done?" I cried a couple of days and was regretful of doing the procedure. My cousin told me about ObesityHelp.com and how she found that to be more supportive than the local support groups. As time went on and I started healing, I felt much better. The first 4 weeks I told people that I would never recommend this procedure (I was still raw from the effects). I am now 5 months post-op and would recommend it to the world!!!! I also tell others of ObesityHelp.com and their magazine (to which I recently subscribed to).

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

My first few weeks were terrible. Even though I was in constant communication with my cousin (who had the procedure a year before me), I was not prepared for the emotions and physical feelings I experienced. My greatest advice to people getting ready to have this done is to tell them to get support - no matter where it comes from (be it ObesityHelp.com or your local support groups). No one can help you like the people who have been through this procedure. Family and friends can be supportive, but they can't help like someone who has been through it.

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

The hospital I had my surgery at was only 2 miles away. I didn't have far to travel and by the next morning, I was ready to go home (no matter how far it would have been).

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 23 hours following my surgery I was not allowed anything until the leak test the next morning. You talk about desire. I wanted some water so bad I couldn't stand it (and I was NOT a water drinker). When I got my first sip of water, after I passed my test), I thought I was in heaven. I have been a avid water drinker ever since. The physician's office had given me a infomation packet/book telling me everything I could expect pre-op and post-op. I got a calendar and circled the days that I was to start my next stage of foods. My first week at home I was allowed clear liquids only. Then I went into soft foods. and have graduated to eating anything (watching the sugar grams) I want - just limited on the amount I eat. All along, everything had to be sugar-free. That was a new experience to me. Nutrasweet used to give me migraines so I was worried about the sugar substitute. My physician's office gave me a goody bag the morning of my hospital discharge and inside were items like; a baby spoon, a card asking restaurants to allow me to oreder a childs meal off the menu (due to gastric surgery), pieces of sugar-free candy (I recommend Russell Stover's sugar-free chocolate - if you have to curb the chocolate fix), and a bottle of water. I love SPLENDA!!! I have learned to read labels on food items before purchasing. I can't have gum, sugar items or carbonated drinks. I'm sure if I pushed the issue, I could have any on these items BUT why put myself at risk when I have come so far and feel so good (without them).

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

Before my surgery, I couldn't stay awake during the days. The first two weeks following my surgery, I could get around much as I was so exhausted. I had a hard time sleeping. I would go from my bed to the couch to the recliner and back to the bed. I couldn't get comfortable. I couldn't get my mind to shut down in order to sleep. It was an emotional roller-coaster those first couple of weeks. Then, I started getting out and walking. The more walking I did, the better I felt.

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?

My biggest fear was losing my hair. Even though I went through nausea for a long while, and many sleepless nights, nothing prepared me for the amount of hair I started losing. The other day I went to my stylist (after a year) and he said that even though I was losing my hair, I had plenty and I shouldn't worry about the loss. I felt much better. I asked what others were doing about their hair loss and most responded with, "nothing, just letting nature take its course". I knew from the info packet that I would start losing my hair about 3-4 months after the surgery, but that it would eventually stop falling out and new growth would start. I also had to tell myself that hair loss was minimal compared to the health risks I endured before my surgery.

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

The anticipation of time and approval for the procedure. I knew that as much pain and anxiety I would go through post-op, it too would pass. But the fear of not being approved for the surgery and the lack of communication from the physician's office, made time stand still.

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

Each day I go to the ObesityHelp.com state message board and keep up with the messages that are being communicated. I am trying to work my schedule so I can attend a local support group (haven't had much luck there, yet). I think support, no matter how you get it, is essential (whether it be family, co-workers or friends). I also believe that we need to get support from people who have been through this surgery. Share our experiences with them and see what they went through.

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

I have 5 small slits in my torso. I had a hard time with 2 of the sites not healing, as quickly as the others. I later had a suture come up on both of the sites. Once the suture came out, the sites healed right away. Unfortunately, I wore a white blouse to work one day, not realizing that it was quite see-through. I later noticed that you could see my 2 larger scars. A co-worker said it was not a bad as I thought it was. I don't wear that blouse anymore. I didn't know what to expect, as far as the scarring, so it is hard to answer this question.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I haven't had any plateau experiences, but I know it is coming. I did get a little anxious when I would only lose a pound a week. My friend pointed out that I am still losing and not gaining. I felt better after hearing that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I now have strangers saying hello to me. I have more energy and a lighter step about me. People have noticed it and told me. I am getting a lot of compliments. I even have friends and co-workers telling me that I smile more.