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

Several friends had it done. At first I thought that was too radical and was too scared. Finally gave myself a deadline to lose the weight on my own before checking into. During that time I was put on insulin for diabetes and high blood pressure meds. Started to look into for health reasons.

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

My insurance was really good about it. At first my PCP was really worried since the others she had recommended had been denied and because my BMI was only 40 she told me not to get my hopes too high. However I was there as she was filling out the request and I was giving her the co-morbidities to add to the report. Was referred to surgeon in 1 weeks time.

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

My surgeon was really great. He discussed the pros and cons of each type of surgery that was offered through his clinic and then talked to me about what I was wanting out of the surgery and which would be best for me - even if it meant going to one of the other surgeons in his practice!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My mother died of cirrhosis caused by fatty liver (she NEVER drank alcohol). I'm no brain surgeon but knowing that I was fat, had always been fat, then I had to have a fatty liver and I did NOT want to die early and painful like she did. While researching my options I saw that the surgery resolved most diabetes, most high blood pressure, and a good improvement in the liver so long as scarring had not occurred yet.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, research, research. I lived on the internet for several weeks researching the various methods and long term results.

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 major fears of dying from the surgery. I had one day that I totally broke down, was crying (which I usually don't do) and physically shaking. For the first time in my life I actually turned to alcohol to calm my nerves down. At that point I wrote letters to each of my kids and those who were very close to me. As I went into the operating room I gave my husband a letter letting him know they were in the safe should something happen. They are still there just in case some complication comes up.

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 concerned by supportive. My friends were outstandingly supportive - they all knew people who had this done and were telling me the great results of it.

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

Not applicable. I was a stay at home mother.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I'm glad I attended. They mentioned procedures I had not heard about so it was back to the computer to research, research, research.

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

Hospital was great. All the staff were warm and caring - even the poor nurse that wasn't even assigned to me and wound up working on my IV machine every time I got up to walk around - it would always start beeping and she was always the one that happened to be on hand. My surgeon is old fashioned and came to visit each morning and each evening. Those with other surgeons never saw theirs. I was there for 2 days since I had open RNY. Comfortable slippers for walking. Walking helps to work out the gas. I was up and all over the place.

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

None so far.

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

NERVOUS. Unfortunately I did not cope all that well. I froze out those closest to me and I completely shut down emotionally. I didn't feel they would understand what I was going through so I kept everything to myself.

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

The first 2 weeks I slept most of it. Really don't remember much. The next 2 weeks were better, but I did get tired really easy and wound up taking naps on most days.

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

Just over 50 miles. This did not affect my aftercare as my appointments were made and I went to each and every one. Also drive that far for monthly support meetings as well. It is a pain in that I have to figure about an hour and 15 minutes drive time each way, but in the long run it is well worth it.

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 currently 4 1/2 weeks post op and have been following my surgeon's plan. The first 2 weeks was liquids only so lots of protein shakes. I also ate sugar free jello. Because I was sleeping most of the time, eating wasn't an issue. In fact, had to MAKE myself eat (drink) to get in the protein. I also was drinking Isopure drinks (40 grams protein in 20 oz.) This was a lifesaver at first since I could consume so little at a time. Getting 60 grams of protein was difficult at first. The next 2 weeks I got to add in yogurts, cottage cheese, refried beans, mushie vegetables, overcooked pasta. I ate a lot of refried beans, some mashed potatoes, campbell's heart healthy chunky vegetable soup, scrambled eggbeaters, tried pasta twice - didn't taste good and didn't settle well. As for tolerance, it is hit and miss. Scrambled egg one day goes great. The next day is sits like a rock. I am fortunate in that I do not throw up like others, but was still uncomfortable. This week I have been able to add shaved deli meat (which I have eaten a lot of), tuna, chicken salad, and flaky fish.

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

First couple of weeks had to force myself to walk just a little bit. After about 3 weeks its like the energy was suddenly there and now I am walking 1 1/2 miles or more every day (depends on how much time I have - not energy)

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

I take a multivitamin every morning (forgot my evening one most days), I also take a chewable iron tablet, sublingual b12. Most days I get 1 to 2 doses of calcium citrate, but have yet to ever get all 3 (the last one sits with the second multivitamin)

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?

For me the worst so far has been the diarrhea. I eat breakfast and 15 minutes later I am on the toilet. I eat morning snack and 15 minutes later I am on the toilet. Same with lunch. But afternoon snack, dinner, and evening snack I am fine. Doctor gave me prescription for flagyll so we are trying that now.

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

The fear and nervousness that I went through for months prior to actually having the surgery. I wanted to back out so many times but knew that I needed to do it for health reasons as I had tried so many other times to lose weight only to gain it back again.

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

There is actually different support groups offered through our doctor's office. I picked the one that worked best with my schedule. It is called Thin For Life and is for all WLS patients, those interested in WLS, and those who are just trying to lose weight the old fashioned way. I feel it is important so that I can see others who are ahead of me on this journey and learn what has worked and not worked for them.

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

Very thin 5 inch long scar. Didn't know what to expect as I had never had surgery before (OK, tonsils were removed when I was 8)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a plateau at week 3 and am still there. I have 2 pounds that I lose and gain repeatedly, but I am under 250 for the first time since I was in college (20 years ago) so I am not TOO upset yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Those who know I had it done have been very positive in their comments. As for those who don't know me very well, there really hasn't been a difference YET.