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

I had known about bariatric surgery for a number of years. When I first learned of it I knew that it was something that I needed to do for myself.

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

I was fortunate that my husband was retired military and as such I was elgible to have this surgery as his "dependent." I just needed to meet the BMI guidelines.

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

I did not actually meet my surgeon until my surgery date was discussed. I underwent a litany of tests and when those were completed then I was given an appointment to meet with the surgeon. I worried the whole time about whether my tests would be alright and whether I would meet the criteria. When they gave me a surgery date, I was so relieved that I couldn't think of any questions other than the normal ones that he discussed with me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

258 pounds and rising.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Only option available.

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 worried a great deal about dying. I am older than the majority of patients having this surgery and feared that my age (53) would be a detractor. I worried about leaving my sweet husband and children and never seeing my grandchildren again. As I got closer to the surgery I was consumed with worry. I understand that it was all quite normal and would pass that along to anyone that was facing the same fears.

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?

At first my children thought that I was crazy. My husband has been the most supportive, before, during, and after. My children are happy to see me losing and gaining a little self confidence. One daughter, who is obese is quite jealous and it has affected our relationship.

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

I am one of the lucky ones. I do not work outside of the house anymore. YEA!

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

I was in a very small room, by myself because I suffer from a latex allergy. I spent 4 days with crumby TV, and a claustrophobic room. But I had a private bathroom and very good care. I took all of the things that were recommended but didn't use any of it. I gained a lot of water weight in the hospital. It was more comfortable to wear their stuff.

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

I tore a stomach muscle during a sneezing attack 9 days post surgery. It was more painful than the incision wound. I needed to go to the emergency room because I didn't know what I had done. I did pain management for about a week until things started to ease.

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 got a call from my doctor and asked if I wanted to move my date up by a month. Thank heavens for that. I don't think that I could have stood an additonal month of waiting. The way I dealt with the anxiety was I ate. What else are you suppose to do?? I ate the things that I will probably never eat again and enjoyed every mouthful.

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

My first couple of weeks home were difficult because of a torn stomach muscle. I also experienced so significant bouts of depression. I finally got over that at about 2 1/2 weeks post op. I also discovered that eating would need to take on a different role. It could no longer be the important part of my days. I couldn't for the life of me eat or drink all that was required.

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

My hospital is only about 45 minutes away and hasn't affected my aftercare at all. It was a little inconvenient for visitors although I discouraged visitors from coming. I didn't want anyone to see me with all of the medical mumbojumbo. I thought that it would be scary.

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 have had a very difficult time eating solid food of any sort. I am preparing to have a "swallow" test done to make sure that there isn't anything out of the ordinary. I am not allowed to eat any sugar (refined) but do drink smoothies with fruit. My tolerances have been quite low to date but I am hopeful that this will improve with a little more time. I have also discovered that my tastes have changed pretty dramatically. There are a lot of things out there that just don't taste "right" anymore. Maybe my thinking has changed too. Maybe I have come to realize that if it doesn't taste great that I won't take up what little stomach space I have for something I don't really like.

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

My activty level has climbed pretty steadily since my surgery. I exercise hard three times a week and that seems to help raise my level.

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

I take two chewable vitamins each day and try to get in two to three scoops of protein powder mixed into something each day. Because I am not holding solid food down, I feel that the protein powder is very important. I like my hair and I have a healthy heart muscle. I don't want to lose either.

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?

Vomiting has been the worst. I have reached a point that I find it difficult to even think about eating. It is depressing. I drink smoothies to cope and keep myself nourished. Sleep disturbances were mild and I got a script for sleeping pills if I needed them. So far they are just insurance.

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

The anticipation and fear of the unknown. It is a life altering procedure and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

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

I go once a month to a support group meeting at Wilford Hall Medical Center. I don't think that it has really be benefitical to me but there are a lot of post surgical patients that need the information that we can provide. They also need the moral support that the group can offer.

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

My scar is like a 12 in zipper. My grandchildren love it and I claim that it will be the dividing line to my abdominal "six pack."

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been loosing pretty steadily.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People that know me are amazed at the drastic weight loss. I am only two month out but already down several sizes. Most folks are really in awe.