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

I was planning for my wedding. I went to a spa one day for a "Body Wrap" and facial. The technician (who was wrapping my body in plastic wrap ((To help shrink away inches)),and I were dicusiing my weight battle, and she told me her mother had a gastric bypass and has been thin for several years, and that her health insurance paid for it. I heard of it many years before, but never had the money to pay for it.

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

My doctors office handled the entire insurance procedure. It was approved right away.

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

He explained what the surgery was all about. He asked me my background and told me if I was interested in persuing this, I would have to have a pschological and nutritional evaluation.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I wanted to have the surgery right away. The hardest part was to convince my family, especially my husband and mother.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

open rny

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 greatest fear was failing to lose weight. I feared that if I could lose weight this way, I had no more hope. I had some fear of dying, but that is natural to feel that way before any surgery. The morning of the surgery, my husband escourted me to the hospital. Both he and I were very nervous. I started crying, alot. I asked him to leave. When he left, I made peace with myself and my deceision, and I was ready to take on the world.

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 and friends were not supportive at all. I had started the pre op process about 8 months to 1 year prior to actual surgery. I hinted the idea to my family, leaving information around, but I finally broke the news at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table 1999. (My surgery had just gotten scheduled for 2/2/00). My family went crazy, telling me why do I want to mutalate my body, just do on a diet. (Mind you, that my mom and sister are both fat, and my husband is as skinny as a rail and can eat anything he wants) My brother also battles his weight, but remained neutral. I brought my mom and brother to a support group meeting where they got to hear from the nurses, doctors and most importantly, other patients. When we left there, they were ready to support me. My husband was a diiferent story. He said that although he would like be to lose SOME weight, I could die from surgery and he married me the way I was. (It is 1 year later, and he LOVES the results!!!!!). I did not tell my friends or coworkers until 1 week before the surgery, because I did not want to hear there opinions. Everyone has been very successful after the surgery ecause they see how happy and healthy I am. I recommend telling only your close family and tell them if they cant support you in your deceision and wish you well, than dont say anything at all!

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

I have the greatest boss in the world! He saw me struggle with my weight on a daily basis. He never let my weight bother him. (both of his parents were heavy and sucessful). He never realized that there was prejudice in the work world because of weight. I told him 3-4 weeks before my surgery what I was doing. Because he is so important to me, I wanted him to be fully informed about what I was doing. He was actually very frightened because he heard all terrible stories of "stomach stapling" of yesteryear. I gave him all of the literature I had, (and my boss being an educator), went home and researched it. When he came back on Monday, he was so excited about what he had learned, and has become my daily cheerleader. I stayed out of work for 4 weeks.

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

My hospitl stay was 3 days. I was sccheduled for surgery at 7am, and didnt get put in a room until 9pm that evening. The recovery room wasn't pleasant. I had to have the breathing tube in for several hours (but I survived). The nurses were all very nice. I didnt need to bring anything with me. The hospital provided toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, lotion, etc...

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?

I was so excited. I was a little nervous, but that was because I was afraid to fail. I coped with this anxiety by confiding in my boss. (A 59 year old man-not the usual confidant, but like a father figure)

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

Definately do not be home alone the first few days. My husband was home at night, but he is a heavy sleeper. He did not hear me when I called him, and that caused me much anxiety. Expect to have to depend on other people. It was very hard for me because I am independant and impatient, and I like things to be done immediately. I dont like to have to rely on others.

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

5 miles. I am fortunate to live in a suburb of a major city that offers this service.

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

I attend Dr. Reinhold's monthly support group meetings for pre and post op patients. I have had some struggles (mostly personal) in which I feel I should see someone outside the group. My schedule has limited me to that option.

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

My scar is still big and ugly, but it is fading tremendously. My husband doesnt even notice it anymore. It is what I expected and my philosophy about it is I was not wearing a bikini before the surgery, so whats the difference.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateaus. At 140 pounds, weight lose stopped for over 1 month, than I ate very strict and doubled my excercise routine and another 16 mounts dropped off in 2 weeks. Now it has not moved again in about a month. I just had my gallbladder removed this week. I am hoping that I can get back into my pre gallbladder problem excercise routine, and get the weight lose moving again. It is very frustrating. I am still hoping to lose at least another 60- 75 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People treat me very differently now. I get compliments everyday. People treat me as if I am smarter.