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

My husband asked me to check into it. Of course I was angry with him. I said "what's your problem, you married me fat". He said it was because he noticed I was having trouble walking and breathing. He was worried about my health. I checked on line about the surgery, then went to a support group meeting and met people who had the surgery. With my husband the the support of my "bypass buddies", I came to terms that the gastric by pass was my only choice at a Normal life. WOW, IT HAS BEEN GREAt

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

Had no problems with getting approval. My surgeon spoke directly to the physician who was head of my insurance and was approved immediately. Keep diet records, Keep a log.

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

My surgeon offured a free get to know you consultation. I first met him at his support group meeting, found out what He required pre op testing, my primary physician had worked up others for the surgery, so she was well versed on what the testing was, and all the documation. When I saw Dr. Rehnke in the office for the first time I knew He was the one for me. His personal manners, His professionalism, His experience at doing the surgery. It was a go from the start. He still after 4 years out sees me every 2 months. He said "you are my patient for life, I just don't do the surgery then drop you". He has certainly lived up to and surpassed all my expections of a physician who truly cares.......

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Success from my ByPass Buddies. WIthout them and their encouragement and support all the way, I might have given up with all the testings, seeing all the speciality physicians. It was a year in the making. my Bypass Buddies are still an important part of my life. We meet every Wednesday night and I look forward to our meetings. Support is the #1 reason a person is successful and stays successful.........Get involved in a local support group......

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. decided I needed the by pass. I would need the malabsorption part of the surgery. I was not a big eater, My body stored everything I ate, as it never knew when it would be feed again. Like I said, I would go days without eating. Never got hungry.....

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 put my trust in the Lord. He led me all the way. Opened doors easily, then when needed, closed them that needed to be closed. opened others keep me on the right road. I knew from the beginning He was behind my journey leading me all the way. I had no fears, I was relaxed, and knew when the time was right, He would choose the way. He did it all for me. I just followed his path He laid out for me. Took a year, but was well worth the wati.....

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 told know one about my plans. I had to have my gall bladder out, so told everyone that is what I was having. About 3 weeks before my surgery I told my sisters, they said they sort of knew because of all the testing I was going through. They said they had some friends who had the surgery and the testing they had to have. They were supportive all the way. Wish I had told them right away. My husband was my biggest support along with my Bypass Buddies. I did not tell anyone at work until about 2 months after my surgery. I would be returning to work, and knew they would question the weight loss. I called my special friends at work before my return. Once I returned to work, I shouted from the roof tops anyone who asked, I told. I was proud of my surgery, proud of my weight loss. And I was surprised how supportive every one was. Even to this day, they support my decision, and ask me to talk to people about the surgery. I am a nurse, and get the opportunuty to talk to patients. I never start the conversation, my patients see my picture on my name badge, of course it is one before my surgery, they respond by saying you don't look like your picture. I am proud to talk with them about my journey. Those patients that are obese, I give them information only. Do not encourage, no discourage them, just support them. Give them the information they need, contacts they need, but they must make the first step.

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

I did not tell my supervisor until after my return to work. She knew I was having gall bladder surgery, which I did have along with my bypass. I was out 8 weeks. I had the open surgery, and due to my job as a floor nurse, could not do any heavy lifting. could not return to work with any limitations. Had I have had a desk job, I would have been ready to come back to work in about 4 weeks. My supervisor and all the management team was very supportive and still are today

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

Pre op was wonderful, kept me informed about delays, ect. I was in a total of 5 days . the first 36 hours in icu. then out to the surgical floor. My time in ICU was great. Wonderful care, once out on the regular floor, I took care of myself. Being a nurse, I knew what had to be done, and I did it. Would not recommed the hospital I went to. Had a few caring nurses, but others couldn't have cared less.

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

No complications.......was very lucky I choose the best surgeon.

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

No anxiety, Just happy that I would start a new chapter in my life, and hoped this time it would work....my only fear was that I would go through this and like everything else, it wouldn't work for me........Surprise......IT worked......

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

I guess the only thing I remember about being home was I was very tired. I tried to get out everyday and walk, but was surprised just how little energy I had. I was very pale looking and I think that scared me most. Had a check up 4 days after being home, did lab work and all was fine. Got my first Vit B 12 shot and that made a world of difference. Each day got better. I had no pain, was unconfortable sleeping because I turned alot in my sleep, of course each turn work me up, but on the whole, I did very well.

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

My surgery was done about 100 miles from my house. The distance was never a problem, and as I said earlier, I still see my surgeon every 2 months, and look forward to the visits and the ride.....

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.

For the first four months I ate only protein. It got boring after awhile, I craved a salad, and dill pickles. Why pickles I do not know. I had an Unjury protein shake daily. Still do. It took me about 3 weeks before I could finish a egg. Seemed like the last two bites just couldn't go down. Ate slow, chewed my food very good. Had no vomiting. After the 4 months I was allowed green vegetables. I enjoyed that, however, I had to eat the protein first, so never got much of the green veggies down. To this day, I still eat protein and green veggies. I do not eat starches, sweets, I limit my Carbs to about 10-15 daily. I would like to loose about 10 more lbs, so these last few days I am back on protein only for about 2 weeks to see if I can start to loose a few more lbs. I have joined the ymca in my town, and work out 4 times a week. Wish me luck.......

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

Very low tolerance to activity. Did do my cooking, light cleaning, tried to walk everyday. Was very tired. Had very little energy, but kept moving. Felt weak, lightheaded for about 6 weeks after surgery. each day seemed a little better, but it was slow going. Had to really push myself to stay active.

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

The list is endless. Multi vitamins twice daily Calcium Citrate 800 mg 3 times day zinc with vit c twice daily psyllium husks 2 caps twice daily colace twice daily fish oil daily biotin 5mg daily vit A 5000 units twice daily Vit D 400 units twice daily Balanced B vitamin every other day iron 28 mg daily Fruit 4 Life, a supplement that contains 13 different fruits in a chewable pill veggies 4 life, a supplement that contains 15 different veggies in a chewable pill Unjury Protein shake daily Vit `B12 injection monthly, sometimes will take two a month if I feel tired. I think that is complete........

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 most signifant. Once started on Zinc and Biotin it imrpoved. Problem started about 3 months post op. Nausea for about a week post op...... none since never dumped, do not do Carbs.....

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

The endless preop testing.........Post op was great

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

Very active in a local support group. Joined them One year prior to my surgery, and still meet every wednesday.....

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

Can hardly see it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau, lost slow but consistant. Never went without looseing some weight, might have been a pound or two, but never did not loose for the 18 months following surgery. Got down 188 lbs. Now have been stable for last 2 years. Would like to loose another 10 lbs, are actively trying now. It is very hard.......

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh my yes, I was the invisable 348 lb women, funny how I slipped through the cracks at that size. Now at 155 lbs I am noticed.. You figure......