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

I had heard for years about Dr. Warnock, although it was only 2 years ago I met someone who was a patient of his. I thought it was a great tool, but I was either too proud (why should I "mutilate" a perfectly good digestive system that God gave me just because I couldn't control my eating) or too afraid to consider it.

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

I was unemployed at the time, but even my prior insurance said they wouldn't cover the surgery. My grandmother gave me the $ for the surgery.

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

Absolutely fabulous. Although apprehensive about this whole adventure, when Dr. Warnock walked into the exam room, even before he introduced himself I knew it was going to be OK. He is one of the kindest, most compassionate people I know, with a true love for the obese and a passion to see them well. Just know that bariatric physicians truly care about your obesity, and are not there to judge you or condemn you, just to help you get well.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was headed rapidly to becoming wheelchair bound. Also, I knew that if God had so miraculously provided the $ for me to have the surgery, I didn't need to be afraid.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't. Dr. Warnock only does the RNY (no lapband).

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?

Actually, after my consultation, I had no fears. The surgery was a piece of cake for me, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. What I told myself about the possibility of dying from the surgery was that it would be quicker than the slow death I was experiencing due to obesity.

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?

Everyone was supportive of my decision for consulation, surgery, the whole thing. They still are.

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

Unemployed at the time--still am.

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

The hospital stay--my first ever--was fabulous. The staff, handpicked by my surgeon, was dedicated and compassionate to obese patients and attentive to my every need and question. I had my surgery on a Friday morning and was discharged around noon on Monday. Bring sugar free gum! Your mouth gets dry. There's nothing by mouth the first day, an icy swab the second day. You don't get to drink anything until the third day.

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

None

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 was anxious that I'd be the one for whom the surgery didn't work! HOwever, the pounds melted away. I added foods as advised by my doctor, and found you really could be satisfied with such a little bit of food, especially since you really don't have an appetite.

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

Once my 5 retention sutures (used to take some of the stress off of my stapled incision) were removed (10 days post op) I felt really great. Those were uncomfortable and made getting up and sleeping difficult. Not everyone has those, though. I really had no difficulties, was just lethargic. I guess I expected to have a lot of energy as the weight came off--forgetting I had just undergone major surgery. I ate as advised by my doctor and had no bouts of vomiting or diahhrea.

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

About 60 miles. The hospital has a "half-way" house and I stayed there 3 days after my discharge, on the advise of my surgeon, just to make sure everything was OK.

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.

Meat was a problem at first, even when I was allowed to have a few ounces. I adapted to port and beef a lot sooner than chicken. Also, I found that cold meat was better for me than hot. There were times that the smell of cooking food made me very nauseous. I'd make ham salad, or chicken salad, or tuna salad in order to get my protein, as well as eat beans of all varieties. I'm 5 months post-op and am now just getting to where I can eat lettuce again. It does have to be finely chopped, but at least I can have a salad now! There is very little that I can't eat--including rice and things with hulls, like corn and peas. I don't drink anything carbonated--even diet soda--and don't plan on ever testing the waters with popcorn. Greasier things don't make me really sick, just uncomfortable. If I am served fried chicken, I take the skin off, and things like brisket I can eat little of.

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

Sluggish! I think it was because I didn't eat all I should and wasn't getting enough protein and, also, I didn't have the bariatric vitamin supplements then. Once I started eating better and getting my B vitamins, there was a huge improvement.

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

I take a chewable megavitamin for bariatric patients twice a day. I also take 6 chewable calcium supplements, also especially for bariatric patients.

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?

Hair loss was the worst, but then again I suffered from tricotillomania (hair pulling) for a lot of years, so my scalp and hair were compromised prior to surgery. It's finally beginning to grow back in nicely. Still wear a wig out (or a baseball cap!)--and wearing a wig in the SW Oklahoma heat of summer was no fun!

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

I really can't think of anything that would be of a common nature. Although I did have people with me on the day of surgery (Friday), I didn't have much physical support during the rest of my stay (until Monday) or at the half-way house (until Thursday). That was the hardest part. It was good to get home where there were people I knew!

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

I go to support group meetings in Wichita Falls once a month. They are vital to me. Also, Dr. Warnock's patients have a support board on the internet--also vital to me.

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

Long! But I did expect this. Although it was rather raised and red, about half of it has flattened out and is becoming hard to see.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really.