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

I found out about the surgery from a coworker that had recently had it done. Once I spoke to her about it, I did some research for several years before I decided to ask my doctor about it. Once I researched it, I was a little skeptical, which is normal, but when I went to support groups and talked to other people that had the surgery, along with the surgeon, I felt more at ease about it. I knew it was major surgery and that risks were involved, but due to the great success of this type of surgery, I was willing to do it.

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

I really didn't have a problem with my insurance approving me, thankfully. As long as I met the criteria, which i did, I was approved. The only advice I can give is to make sure you get all the required information to your insurance company ASAP.

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

My first visit was informative. He answered all my many questions and was very optimistic about how the surgery would be for me based on my health condition and weight. My advice is to write down all your questions ahead of time so you will be prepared when you meet with your doctor the first time.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I finally realized that I was unable to get the weight off and KEEP IT OFF by myself. I knew my efforts were hopeless and I didn't want to risk having my health fail due to the excess weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the bypass and the lap band, discussed both procedures with my doctor in detail and decided on the bypass. I knew the bypass meant that my stomach and intestines were going to be cut, stapled and rerouted but I felt that it was more permanent solution for me then the lap band. I also didn't want to have a port in my side that had to be adjusted many times during the weight loss process.

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?

My doctor made me feel very confident in his skills and abilities because of his high success rate. I also knew that I didn't have any underlying health problems going into the surgery, which he said was a plus. My suggestions to others considering surgery is to make sure you get all your questions answered by your surgeon to make sure you are a good candidate for this type of 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 sister and best friend were very supportive of the surgery because they knew how much I had struggled with weight loss. Also my best friend's niece had the surgery years ago and did very well, so I had first hand information even before I decided to get it done. They have also been very supportive after my surgery, showing concern about my emotional health as well as physical. I think it is very important to have at least one person to be supportive that will help you as you go through the process.

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

At first she was a little skeptical, but I knew that's how she would react. I didn't let that discourage me though. There had already been several people at work that had the surgery so she knew about the procedure already. Once I came back to work, she showed concern about my recovery wanting to make sure I was OK. I was only out of work 10 days because I didn't have any more annual leave to take. I recommend not going back to work for at least 2 weeks, which is usually what the doctor recommends.

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

I was only at the hospital two nights. The first night is a little fuzzy because I was given pain medication so I could rest. When I woke up, my sister was in the room. The nurse wanted me to get up and walk down the hall, but I had a reaction to the anesthesia, (bad headache) which made me nausious. I was given more pain medication so I could sleep it off. Later that night when I woke up, the nurse wanted me to get up and try to walk again. My headache was a lot better and I was able to walk all the way around the hall. The only things I had to bring were a change of COMFORTABLE clothes and toiletries.

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

No.

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

Actually, it was a mix of anxiety and excitement because I was so happy to finally have my surgery date. I know I probably didn't sleep very well thinking about what to expect and how if the surgery would be successful, but I still didn't want to back out. I just prayed that all would go well for me and I asked my friends and relatives to pray for me too, which I know they did. When that day came, my sister was with me and I wasn't anxious at all.

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

The first few weeks are the hardest, I have to say. For one thing, just going through any major surgery is a lot to get over because your body has to heal. I followed the doctor's and nutritionist's instructions exactly, which is very important. I was only allowed to have liquids to start with and later graduated to soft foods; remember your stomach can only hold about 1 cup of food at that time. It was an adjustment, but well worth it in the long run. It made me limit the portions I eat to be healthier, which has taught me to do this for the rest of my life and I've adjusted well.

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

My doctor was only 50 miles away from me. I didn't have any problem with check-ups since he was pretty close to me.

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 first weeks I could only eat liquids and soft foods. If you tried to eat something else, which is not recommended so you can heal properly, it would come back up. Each week I would add some new type of soft food,(yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.),or soup for a variety. I would also drink protein supplements to make sure I got the required amount of protein each day, which is very high. After a few months I added small amounts of solid food such as chicken salad, tuna salad, etc. & chunkier soups. After a few more months I wanted a treat so I tried to eat ice cream, but that wasn't a good idea. It caused me to have an upset stomach and diarrhea, so it was off limits for at least 9 months. I also tried to each some chicken nuggets about 3 months out, but it was too soon for those. I don't think I chewed them enough and they came back up. I then learned that I had to chew everything very well before swallowing. It's been 15 months now and I can tolerate it pretty well now. It's OK for a special treat now and then.

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

At first there was no activity due to doctor's orders for at least 3 months. After that they recommended walking and starting some weight training. After 6 months, it is highly recommended that you start some sort of aerobic activity.

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

Multivitamins, Sublinguel B-12, Calcium w/D, extra vitamin D, Iron, Omega 3, Biotin & vitamin C

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?

At first there was some nausea and vomiting but only because I tried to eat something I shouldn't have too soon. I have experienced some hair loss, which has been the worse side effect. My doctor told me that it was because of losing weight so fast and that it takes time for the body to adjust. The hair loss is gradually getting better the closer I get to my goal weight, which my doctor thinks should be another 25 lbs. I've even noticed new hair growth in the last several months. I'm taking biotin for the hair loss and using thickening shampoos and treatments to help out.

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

The first month of recovery adjusting to a new way of eating. But now, it's as if I have forgotten everything about how I used to eat and have adjusted very well. I would do it all over again!

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

My doctor and the hospital where I had my surgery has support group meetings for bariatric patients the 2nd Monday of each month. I try very hard to go to them when I can. They have speakers on subjects of interest, as well as hearing about others speak about their weight loss experiences. I highly recommend attending these as much as possible before and after surgery.

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

The scars aren't really as bad as I thought they'd be. They are still a little pink in color, but fading. I plan on trying some over the counter scar fading treatments to see if that might speed up the process. No matter what, the small scars are much better then what scars used to be with this surgery!! I don't think I would have gone through with the surgery if I had to be cut open the old way it was performed.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I guess I'm at a plateau now. It's been 15 months and I've lost 95 lbs. I have been eating normally, just a lot smaller portions. I know in order to lose the next 25 lbs, I will probably need to cut back and just have one solid food meal per day, drink protein supplements for the other two and start exercising more to get the rest of the weight off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Definately!! It seems everyday someone at work compliments me. There are some people that didn't even recognize me because I don't see them everyday at work. It has been a very uplifting experience for me. My sister has also changed the way she treats me. Even though I know she loves me and was supportive, she didn't treat me the same as she does now. It seems we are closer then ever because we are closer to the same weight now. We even talk about fashion now, something we never did when I was overweight because she knew that I couldn't relate. I feel more confident because I know I look and feel better at 52 then I did 15 years ago!! Also, my 11 year old daughter told me that some of her classmates have told her how beautiful I am. It makes me feel so good that she is proud of me!