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

I had heard of bariatric surgery many years ago. My distant cousin had a procedure done a long time ago and she was not very successful in losing. To this day I believe that she is still quite large. Then I met a wonderful friend that was having this RNY procedure and her success spurred me on to investigate further. At first, I couldnt believe that someone would do this to their body but then again, look what Ive done to me already.

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

I had no trouble getting approval.

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

I was very nervous and anxious. He was very nice and made me feel that none of the questions that I might have were stupid. He was sure to answer all my questions and made me feel comfortable with him and the decision that I had made. If you have questions, no matter how small you think they are be sure to speak up. Doctors are only people and can't read your mind. Make sure that you dont leave until all your questions have been answered in a way that you understand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My decision to finally have surgery was made when I was diagnosed with type II diabetes. My husband is insulin dependent and I see and experience all the trouble associated with this illness. I couldn't control my blood sugars and felt terrible all the time. When my PCP performed some routine labs and found that I was already leaking protein from my kidneys less than a year after diagnosis I was ready for help. My fear that I would be ravaged with diabetes no matter what effort I put into control was scary. I was taking so many medications and just kept feeling worse and worse. And I wanted to start to enjoy life more and be able to do more things with my husband and hopefully have a child together.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There is only one option as a Kaiser patient and that is the RNY whether it is lap or open. It is considered the "gold standard" of bariatric surgeries and is the only on that they perform.

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 fears of dying or having horrible complications were very real. The stress from anticipation was horrible the last few weeks before surgery. That time period seems so surreal to me right now but at the time I was literally nuts! I got half way to work one morning and discovered that I had forgotten to put on a bra! Now thats some heavy duty stress!! My best advise is to try to relax and know that your health care providers are very skilled and do all that they can to prevent complications. Sometime though, its out of their hands so you just have to weigh it out for yourself. Exercise and massage are great stress and tension relievers too. Try picturing yourself as a thinner and healthier person and keep that vision up front all the time.

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?

Wow! Thats a good question. My family all live 3,000 miles away and I was terrified of their reactions to my decision. Once I told them to my suprise and relief, the overall response was "You should have done this years ago". So they are all 100% behind my decision and that means so much to me. Hy husband is right there for me and has been a rock through this whole ordeal. He is amazed that I am able to eat so little and still feel so great.

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

I chose to keep my decision to myself and shared it with only close friends. The reason was the negative reactions and comments that were made towards patients seeking this surgery. See, I work in a clinic and hear all of the things that are said about this surgery. I informed staffing and was out a total of six weeks. The length was based on the fact that I also had a hernia repair and couldn't lift patients for six weeks. Otherwise I would have been able to go back after a month.

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

The ICU part was definitely not fun! The nurses were all so very nice but I also saw that they were overworked as well. I was in the hospital 3 days total. Bring reading material and a hairbrush and body spray. Just things that make you comfortable and that dont take up too much space.

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

Thank God I had no complications at all!

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

The time between the date and the actual procedure went by in a whirl! I had so much to do and plan for that I felt overwhelmed at times. Unfortunately I feel that I didn't cope all that well with the anxiety. I should have dealt with it better but its in the past now. Im learning new coping skills and plan to try to destress my life as much as possible.

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

Discomfort is the best way to describe how I felt. I couldnt get very comfortable and the first few nights in my bed were kind of hard. Hospital beds are higher and the different levels make them easier to handle. Trying to get over "head hunger" as opposed to true hunger kept rearing its ugly head. I overcame it though! Rent a bunch of videos and keep on sipping on that water. Theres really not a big variety of TV on during the day so the videos help alot. And be kind to yourself! Your whole insides have been rearranged and this takes a while to adjust to.

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

My surgery was performed 2 hours from home. The drive is inconvenient but the care is wonderful so very much worth the effort. My appointments are scheduled as close to my needs as they can accomodate and I dont mind the drive any more. After care support group meetings are held at that location and they are now having a monthly meeting here in my city so that helps out too!

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.

Well, I am a mere month post op and have only had one bad experience. It was with refried beans from Taco Bell. I was in terible pain and up all night vomiting and feeling absolutely horrible. So no more will I make a "run for the border". Other than that incident I am able to tolerate all meats and the only thing that I havent really tried is bread. I feel fortunate that it is this way with me since I know so many others that have trouble with most foods.

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

At first I felt victorious just walking around my house. My first outing to a store was brutal! Before I could get through the check out line I felt like I had worked a double shift! I felt tired and gave out easily but now Im getting around great! I am exercising every day and that is helping me feel better and better. I am also sure to take my vitamins and get that water inside me.

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

I take a high potency multi vitamin with extra iron every day and a sublingual B-12 tablet every week. I also use a high protein drink a couple of times a week.

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 have been lucky and have only had one bout of pain, nausea and vomiting. I got through it but dont relish the thought of having it ever again.

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

Having to go this far to save my life. The decision was hard and the thought that I had to do this was hard to take at first. Other than that I can't really say that there was a worst part.

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

I have an excellent after care suport system. There are meetings every month several times a month and there is also a chat line that is exclusively for Kaiser patients. We have all made friends and this is so important to the healing of the body and mind. I know that there is a big group of folks out there that care about me and how I am doing. The support is paramount in long term success in my opinion. Knowing that you aren't alone is very comforting.

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

I ahve seven tiny little incisions and they are much smaller than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far so I cant comment on that yet. Give me time though, Im sure Ill get there!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They are telling me how different I look already. They say that I have a "glow" and smile so much more now.