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

My cousin had this surgery about 18 months ago..Has lost nearly 200 lbs..Gone from 5 blood pressure pills to 1....

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

I was lucky, my insurance denied, but only because I had to have a psych eval as part of the approval process..24 hours after eval, I was approved!! Thankyou CHA!!

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

It was a consultation, there were several people there..Everyone had questions, Dr. Shina answered them all, patiently and completely..He is very impressive, matter of fact, doesn't sugarcoat anything..we are adults and I don't know about everyone else, but when it concerns my body, that is exactly how I want my Dr to be...

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I have a few friends who have had it and are doing great..At least 100 lbs lighter than before..One is 200+ lbs lighter...Go Girls!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted open because I had a lot of scar tissue and figured I would have to be opened anyway, which I would have, because he ended up cutting me to bottom of my tummy to remove scar tissue that had grown to my intestines..Ended up having basically two surgeries in one..Dr. Shina is wonderful..

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 was not afraid of dying but I know any time they put you to sleep you are at risk of so many things that can go wrong. I think the outcome is worth the risk. The bigger you are, I am sure it is harder and even more risk involved, but you stand to get your life back after the 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?

Most supported my decision, maybe not neccesarily agreed with it, but they still supported me because they know me well enough to know that once I have made up my mind to do something, I will do it..

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

I work two jobs-the first one has so many people that they don't really care what you do, just get back to work asap-the second job, my boss had this same surgery 15 years ago by a quack dr and it failed, nearly killing him in the process, but even with that, they still supported my decision. I know they worried about me but they respected what I wanted and stood behind me all the way.

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

I was treated wonderfully by most of the staff at the hospital. The surgical staff was probably the best I had ever seen.(I have had 11 surgeries) There were a few nurses that were pretty lousy..They were cold, uncaring and basically lazy..I am referring to two nurses not all of them..I was in the hospital for 5 days..#1 items- tongs and wet-ones..Chapstick, panties, pads( 99.9 % chance you are going to have our period) perfume, at least 1 gown and robe..

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

I had no problems at all with surgery. I am now 9 wks post-op and doing great!!

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 busy trying to get everything cleaned, stocked up, that sort of thing that I didn't have time to get the pre-op jitters until about a week before surgery. That week was 2 months long..Lean on your friends!! I met one through this website that has been an absolute lifesaver to me..Talk, chat with these people-they know exactly where you are coming from..

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

I was weak, tired out very easily. I had very little pain because my surgeon made sure I had plenty of pain meds. I had a hard time getting the food and water I needed into my body but believe me it does get easier with time. Push fluids and the food will follow. Just give your body time to heal.I had a drain tube which was no big deal, I just had to change the bandage on it every day when I changed the ones on my incision. A recliner is a must have..It made world of difference for me. My hubby works so I was alone during the day..I did fine, I just loved my recliner!!

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

I only traveled short trips except for my surgeon(he is 3&1/2 hours away. I went back there in 2 wks, and again at 3 wks. I had someone drive me. It didn't hurt me it just made me tired..

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 started out on day 4 with clear liquids(sugar free jello & chicken broth) Day 5 moved on to soups, stayed on them for two wks then moved on to meat, meat and more meat..I have had no problems at all. Just remember chew, chew, chew and no steak..Any other meat goes..

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

Activity was very little. I gradually walked a little more each day. I started protein drinks at three weeks and after that I could really tell a difference in how much stronger I got every day.

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

I drink a protein shake every day, iron pill(chromagen), one a day vitamin, 4 extra strength tums and a tagament daily.

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?

I am 10 wks out and haven't thrown up yet. I measure most foods but sometimes I just eat until I feel full. I didn't sleep well unless I slept in my recliner. If I laid down in the bed, simply, I hurt until after the staples were removed. After that I slept great-anywhere!! I am starting to shed a small amount(I never shed a hair before) Now I only lose a few, nothing to worry about at all.. Feb 21, 2003 6 months out. I started losing hair at 3 months 2 days, still am but now I only lose a little, nothing like earlier. Actually though, my hair was really thick and now it looks better than it ever did..

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

I live too far away from my surgeon to go to his support group so I just kind of formed my own. I have several friends that have had or preparing to have this surgery.

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

I already had the same scar from previous surgery. My surgeon had to remove a lot of scar tissue from the previous one..

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am 9 wks out. I have been on a plateau for several wks now. I haven't called my surgeon yet but if it doesn't end soon I will. I am measuring myself and even though I hadn't lost lbs I have lost inches in several areas. As long as I do that and I know I am exercising and eating what I should I know I just have to wait for my body to catch up with the weight I already lost. I am down 45 lbs. 10 wks out now, plateau is over- I am now a happy 52 lbs lighter!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not quite yet but I am sure they will. The 'signs' are there already.