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

About 18 months ago I was watching tv and happened on the Roseanne Show. She had Dr. Fobi on her program and I heard for the first time, that an operation was available for obesity. I listened, comprehended and called the number at the end of the show. Being a Canadian, I inquired as to the cost involved and was stunned at the figure I was given. I decided to research the internet for info on surgeons in Canada who could do this surgery. It took some looking but I finally came up with 3 or 4 choices near my home. I got very excited and began to talk to people on the net who knew more than I did. I soon learned the things I wanted to hear. Yes, I agreed that obesity was a medical disease and I had it as did some of my relatives. Knowing there was a surgical procedure to help me was like being thrown a lifesaver. Literally. I had weight-related diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. I was a wreck and very depressed knowing I would not live long enough to see my grandkids grow up.

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

Being Canadian I was covered totally by our Provincial Health Plan.

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

My two daughters accompanied me to my first visit and we had prepared a list of questions for him to answer. Such things, as was I too old, how would my heart and blood pressure be controlled during surgery, would I have a nasal, gastric tube, which was the best procedure for me, etc. My doctor was very patient and answered all our questions. He also told me if I passed all the pre-op tests, he would book me for a VGB. I remember feeling so optimistic and thrilled that someone would be able to help me with almost guaranteed results.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

To save my life. To enjoy the balance of my time here on earth. To look good and most importantly, not to let FOOD dictate my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Having experienced surgery five years ago for bowel cancer, I wasn't comfortable with any procedure that involved the bowel. I liked the idea of the 'pouch' and the fact that my food would pass through to my big stomach with normal digestion taking place. I knew I would lose weight slower, but eventually lose between 80 and 100 lbs. This was a big factor in going with the VGB.

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?

Having had so much surgery in the past five years, I always had a fear that my heart might not be able to handle the strain or my blood pressure would skyrocket. Having survived these prior operations, I had a tremendous faith in God and believed with all my heart that His angels would surround me. AND THEY DID! Really, to have a strong faith in a power greater than ourselves and to have a very positive outlook helped me tremendously.

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 one daughter was afraid and it took a lot of convincing to impress on her that this procedure was much safer than the surgery for obesity done 15 years ago. Once she met my doctor and understood the way it would be done, she was 100% encouraging and supportive. My family and friends were terrific and very supportive. I had lots of help when I got home and thank them for it. They know who they are.

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

I am retired so had no one to answer to. (A definite perk, being retired!)

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

For the most part, my hospital stay was fine. I was in for 6 days and found that my own nightgowns and pillows made me far more comfortable. I had some hard candy that I could suck occasionally to relieve that dry mouth syndrome. I had a morphone drip that controlled my pain and my nurses were very kind. The one major screw-up was on day 4 I suddenly became extremely weak and short of breath. My daughter was with me and she got immediate help for me. Apparently, having been given none of my prescription drugs for almost 5 days sent my heart into arrythmia and my oxygen level plummeted. I was wisked away to intensive care, given my meds and came around a few hours later. The doctor blamed the nurses and the nurses blamed the doctors...so all in all it was quite chaotic and I had one very stressed daughter giving all of them a piece of her mind. Her killer line was "she may be just another patient to you but she's the only mother I've got". It was wonderful to have someone to champion me with such love and passion. It took a while, but everyone's friends again and I'm fine. I want to tell you, that at all times, one of my kids was with me - 24 hours a day. The nurses are so busy it's wise to have someone who is aware of what's going on there with you. They took turns and I know missed some sleep but they offered and I was grateful to them.

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

None.

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 excited and couldn't really imagine what it would be like to lose the fat and regain some energy. I think having had so much surgery prior to this one, I knew what to expect so was okay with it.

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

The first few days at home I kept very quiet and spent most of my day lying on the couch or in my bed. I had no pain. I ate the prescribed amounts and kinds of foods and had no problems. The weight was falling off and it was very gratifying. My medical "team" included a dietician and she was very helpful. I followed her guidelines and portion controls and was quite happy the day I graduated to cooked cereals and puddings. I faithfully measured everything and never exceeded more than l/2 cup of anything. I also never tried to drink and eat at the same time. One or the other. I slept well, showered daily and had no post-op medical problems. I crushed up my meds that I continue to take daily as I found it hard to swallow some of the larger-sized pills. The drugstore sells a plastic gizmo that crushes pills that I found quite helpful. (I don't use this anymore - I can swallow them normally now, 11 months post-op.)

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

My home in Bowmanville was about 40 miles from Toronto. I would allow myself an hour to get there. My daughter always drove me to my followup appointments.

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.

At first I ate only soups, puddings, jello, milk, coffee and scrambled eggs in 1/4 to 1/2 cup increments. When I was hungery, I ate. It seemed the first weeks that I ate very little. I have never been able to tolerate meat like beef, pork, ham, etc. but I can manage small amounts of hamburger in pasta dishes but I have to eat SLOWLY and make sure I CHEW my meal well. I don't miss the things I know are hard to get down. I'm too busy trying on regular-sized clothing and enjoying the new me. I still don't eat bread unless it is toasted and allowed to harden. I can eat crackers easier than bread and I also can enjoy plain cookies like digestives, arrowroot, social teas, etc. I can eat icecream and I do (not a lot) to get my calcium and I drink milk (which I always have. Cheese is a big plus for me..I love it and it's protein-rich.) I find that with the exception of meat and bread I can eat almost anything. I do peel all fruits, leave grapes alone and eat nuts in moderation. The skins of potatoes and fruits are hard to pass through the pouch hole. I find that a baked potato is a perfect "meal" and I usually put lowfat sour cream with it and it is delicious. That will be my complete supper one night. A few hours later I'll have some fruit (canned or fresh) or vegetables. I am very aware of what goes into my mouth and the few times I have screwed up I threw up and it's not pleasant. It happens to everyone I've spoken to and don't be frightened. One-half cup of anything is not a lot to throw up.

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

Don't forget I'm much older than most of you. I was pretty sedentary before surgery so my physical activity was very slow coming around. As the pounds have come off I can walk further and enjoyed swimming a lot this summer. That's about all I do but I do have a new tape for seniors with light weight training excerises to learn which I plan to do soon.

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

I faithfully take a multi-vitamin every day and make sure I get additional protein, calcium, iron, etc. from my food choices. I am a good post-op gal!

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?

My sleeping pattern changed little. I do require a nap each afternoon but then why not...I'm retired, raised 5 kids and worked hard all my life...I've earned the right. My hair has stayed. I never get nauseated and I've had little vomiting. When it does happen it's always from eating too much or too fast.

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

I was given a choice for pain management. I chose an epidural and it hurt like anything going in. Maybe the anethetist didn't have good technique or maybe there was too much fat to get through. Anyway, it worked post-op which was the whole point of having it but that really was painful going in. The absence of my daily medications was not pleasant as I suffered drug withdrawal which was unnecessary.

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

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. I joined an Ontario WLS group and we meet periodically and share everything. They are a fabulous bunch of people from all walks of life, both sexes, all ages and fun. Their prayers and emails, cards, etc. were very helpful at the time of surgery and I still like to keep in touch with them. I am also glad to have found this site and hope my comments are helpful.

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

It is just now going from bright red to bright pink and I know from past experience that it will shrink and lessen in colour.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The weight seems to come off in chunks and then stay the same within a pound or two for weeks. Just when you feel discouraged, bam, I'll lose 5 pounds overnight! Go figure. I'm learning patience which has never been my strong suit.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone seems more friendly or I'm just imagining it. I am getting compliments which I love and I feel happy.