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

I read alot and so I found out years ago that there was such a procedure. I did some research and it seemed to me that there was still alot of room for improvement and so I did not act on it.

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

Well, as it turns out, once my doctor's office submitted the paperwork it only took a week or so to get approval. I made sure to try to get approved the first time by submitting letters of support from my PCP, endocrinologist, and therapist. I also tried to log all weight loss attempts. I was very lucky. Since my BMI was above 50, the doctor said it should not be a problem at all. It wasn't really, especially since I had moved alot the last couple of years and would have had to spend alot of time reconstructing all my medical records.

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

My surgeon was very patient and answered all my questions. My husband is very concerned about the surgery and I think it put him more at ease about the procedure and his skills.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health problems have continued to mount as time has passed. I currently have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and am dealing with a recently diagnosed case of severe lumbar stenosis. My prospects for getting better don't look very good and unless I act soon I fear that my co-morbidities will be worse.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I definitely knew that I did not want the traditional stapling. I was thinking the fobi until I found out it was not one of the most established procedures. I am going with roux en y because it seems to be used widely and relatively safe. I was also delighted that I could have it done laproscopically. I just read about the new adjustable gastric band but decided that the long term weight loss is not what I need right now. I need quick results for health reasons. I would probably have chosen the AGB if I had been younger and had less health problems. It seemed even safer.

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?

Well.. dying is a possible outcome of the surgery. Any surgery. I am realistic about the fact that I could die on the table or right afterwards. I am getting my affairs in order and letting go after that. I would be lying if I told anyone that this surgery is easy and without risk. What I will say is that with such a small mortality (death) rate and with such wonderful options afterwards, that this is the choice for me. I am positive about it's outcome once I make it through the surgery and recovery period.

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?

I have only told my family and close friends. They have generally been supportive although at times confused about the procedures and the changes that I will experience. I am trying to let them know what to expect.

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

I simply stated that based on the advice of my physician that I had already met with a surgeon about the surgery and had a date. My supervisor had some knowledge of the health issues that I have had to deal with and actually knew someone that had had the surgery so she seemed ok with it. She is researching the leave issue with our HR department since I will just barely have enough leave for the surgery and optimal recovery time (2 weeks or so). I told her that all the research that I have done indicates that 2 weeks should be enough. I am fortunate that I may be able to work from home for a week and that would help me make the transition.

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

My stay was wonderful. I was at Porter Adventist in Denver, Colorado for 3 days. The biggest things I would suggest everyone bring is: 1) A personal fan if you are a hot bodied individual 2) A medium sized body pillow. Believe me, this was awsome. The nurses could help me lean a certain way then were able to place this under my back and bottom to let me sleep a bit on my side. A godsend for those of us who side-sleep. 3) A good attitude. Half of our recovery is how we feel about the surgery and how we adapt.

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

The only complication was that I was having some breathing difficulties so they asked that I use oxygen at home. I used the oxygen for two weeks and seemed to do fine after that.

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 had no energy, did not want to eat at all, and had slight discomfort when sitting and trying to lay down. I did not sleep in my bed until I was ok laying down and getting up again (took about a week or so). The only time that I felt anxious was when I tried to go to sleep in my bed and had no strength to get myself up again. I had to have my husband help me multiple times until I could handle this part myself.

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

Don't be in a hurry to lie in bed. It is almost impossible. A recliner was far and away the number one item to have at home. A friend did not have one and rented a lifting chair from a medical supply place. Even though I hated it at times, my little recliner helped me sleep and remain somewhat independent since I could lift myself up and keep everything within arms reach.

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

I traveled a few miles. I was lucky that the hospital was on the SW side of Denver like I am. It was very easy for my husband to visit.

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 did not appear to have problems in the beginning but then after a month and a half or so I started having some problems when I tried to eat rice, broccoli, and salad greens. I have limited my intake of these items accordingly. For the most part I tolerate most foods well. I have had incidents where I had to get rid of a meal when I ate too fast or had something stuck. I am trying to watch these behaviors to avoid future incidents.

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

The first week I just did things very SLOWLY and DELIBERATELY. Jarring movement was uncomfortable. I was lucky though and did not have alot of issues or pain.

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

I am taking a daily childrens chewable vitamin as instructed by my gastric dietician.

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?

The only one I experienced is being unable to sleep through the whole night. I constantly needed to adjust and move around to not get pressure point pain.

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

It was a definite tie between the tube down your nose and through and the chalky stuff they gave me during my leak test. The tube was so irritating that it took days for my nose and throat to feel better. It was very strange also when they took it out. Just not something that I would want to do again.

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

In Denver there is a great support system headed by Kelly Elliott (the nutritionist required by most of the area surgeons). We meet about every two weeks and have various programs including speakers, parties, or just discussion time. I think it is very helpful and would recommend that all recent post-ops go to get ideas and help through the first couple of months.

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

I have 5 small scars on my abdomen. One got a bit infected at first, but at 3 months all have healed fine.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had two. They lasted no more than 2 weeks. I figure most of those related to my eating and exercise habits.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I receive alot of compliments and encouragement related to my weight loss. Otherwise people don't seem that different. This is only 3 months out mind you.