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

It sounded too good to be true.. then I feared I'd never get approved. Now I'm hoping that I can find a way, but fear that my employer (Methodist Hospital- I'm an RN)won't let me take the time off to recover. *UPDATE* I changed insurers, and thanks to the nursing shortage, I think I could be out for 6 months, lol.. Hopefully it won't be even 6 weeks.. so we'll see!

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

I didn't have any problems, even though I ended up being approved TWICE. The first time took the longest, but only because I didn't call my insurer earlier. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO CALL!! The second time, it was approved the same day it was faxed to my case manager. Also, be very well-informed; if you want a particular procedure over another, provide documentation to show WHY you think its the best choice for you.

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

Take a list of questions that you want to ask. Write them down as they occur to you- keep a small notebook to jot down new questions. If your surgeon brushes off your questions, makes you feel small or stupid for asking, or refuses to answer you, RUN, do not walk to the nearest exit- and find another surgeon. I had good experiences, but I was prepared & knew what to expect. Not everyone does. Bring copies of any pertinent medical records, recent lab results, etc.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I found a surgery that I don't feel hesitant about.. and I'm SICK of being tired all the time!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided based on what I was looking for- long term results without a lot of problems. The DS was like a dream come true- I don't feel like it'll be a lifelong diet, but I know I'll definitely lose the weight.

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 wierd.. I had no fears preop.. I tell others with fears that it is normal (which it is), and I try to reassure them.. but I was FINE until I was in the preop staging area.. then I cried.. I think it was the stress and knowing it was almost over!

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 mom was hesitant until she met my surgeon. My husband wants me to be healthy and happy, so he's supportive even though he worries that I might die on the table. My sister isn't sure she agrees with my decision, but she understands why, & she supports me completely.

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

They were very supportive, those that I told. My direct supervisor only knows that I'm having abdominal surgery, but not why. I may or may not tell her about it. She's supportive of my need for time off, so I was grateful for that.

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

My stay was pretty good.. Ocean Springs Hospital was pretty nice- I was impressed! I was in for 4 days.. the most important things I was glad I had were a phone card to call my mom & sugar free hard candies- my mouth tasted so nasty early postop, & even scrubbing my tongue didn't help completely.. but the sugar free cinnamon candy made my mouth taste better, & I didn't feel so thirsty. Other stuff was just icing.. I brought a book, but couldn't concentrate to read. I used a gown as my robe. I had a gameboy- that was a decent distraction. Oh yes- I had right arm & shoulder pain postop (I think from the gas used to inflate the surgical field), & I used Muscle rub-type pain patches(Tiger Balm patches), & that helped a LOT.

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

not really. I treated them symptomatically, or did what the doctor told me to do.

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

Excited!! I hugged my hubby & talked to him when I got anxious.. having a great support system is very important!

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

It hurts to drink cold water- room temp water is easier. You MUST drink a little bit often to stay hydrated. Food will not interest you until ~week 3 or 4.. you will not be eating much, & you may have pain for up to 3 weeks postop. Don't push yourself- REST. You won't be able to lay flat in bed- if you don't have a recliner, use a beanbag placed on your bed to prop you up. This also makes it easier to get up without assistance.

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

I am from Houston, TX, & I traveled to Ocean Springs, MS. It made it hard during my diarrhea attack because my PCP was not communicating with my surgeon, & it sucked! Otherwise, its not too bad- Biloxi is a pretty area, & we make it a mini-vacation.

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 can eat just about anything.. I MIGHT be lactose intolerant, but if so, it gives me diarrhea rather than gas. I just take Lactaid with dairy and its no trouble. Beef gave me trouble for about the first 2 months, & even now, if its too dry, its not a good food choice.

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

I was one sick puppy the first 3 weeks.. bathroom to bed was my routine.. and I'd make myself go up & down the stairs a few times a day so I'd get the minimum required. If I went to the store, I had to use those electric carts.. it was embarrassing, but I'd just get dizzy & fall over if I didn't use the cart. By week 7 I was feeling semi-normal. Then I got food poisoning & it messed me up bad until just before the 3 month mark. Right now I'm feeling more normal, & my energy is coming back up. YAY!

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

2 niferex forte, 2 Cal Apatite 1000, 1 B-complex, 800mcg of Biotin, & 30 mg of Zinc daily. Was trying protein drinks, but I couldn't deal with the taste, so I'm only using up what I have left.. mostly carb solutions premixed- too sweet, but mixed with coffee, I can deal.

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 started having severe diarrhea at week 7, & it lasted until week 12. I coped by doing as I was told by my doctors, venting to friends, & keeping a positive outlook. I started losing hair at week 10, & thus far I'm still shedding. I try to keep my protein intake up & I take Biotin & Zinc to try and stop it. I may cut my hair short, but not yet.

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

Waking up in recovery having an asthma attack, and having to leave my fast-paced, high-stress job for one less stressful postop.

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

online support mostly- the Yahoo DS boards, and of course the ObesityHelp chat room. Its very important- without it I might have gotten very discouraged both preop & postop.

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

I have 5 or 6 little lap scars. They're small, & very faint now. I wasn't concerned about scars, though.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I stopped losing weight at 18 months out, and I'm still around 100 lbs short of goal. I'm looking into revision..

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes.. men are holding doors for me more often now, & they smile & look me in the face, instead of looking away when I say thank you.