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

I found out about bariatric surgery in its present form from watching Carnie Wilson go through it. Originally, I really thought that this type of surgery could kill you, and I wasn't quite that desperate. When I saw Carnie do it, I realized that she must be on to something. So I educated myself, using her website and this website. I do believe that the Internet is an invaluable tool by way of informing people exactly what is available and safe.

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

I got my approval so fast I thought my Doc had bribed the Insurance examiner! :) In fact, it took only 3 weeks. It was almost too soon- I had expected multiple appeals to be necessary.

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

My first visit with Dr. Salahi was wonderful. He really is on the money with his knowledge of this surgery, and spent extra time with me answering my many questions. He even answered a question I had about a past surgery of mine in which I had a problem; he explained all to me, where the doc who had performed it gave me the runaround. His on-the-level manner went a long way with me. My advice to anyone out there considering this surgery is: Make sure that you write down every question you think of. I don't care if you think it a stupid or weird question, write it down. If you don't, I guarantee you'll forget something. When you get to the office, read the questions off,and write down his answers. Another thing you should do is include some questions you already know the answers to, and ask him those, and see how he answers. Is he straight with you? Or do you think he may be yanking your chain? If you are uncomfortable with the doc, consider looking for another. I truly believe that our perceptions color our lives, and you want the best possible outlook to help you get through this. But be sure that whoever you decide on, that he has adequate experience and credentials.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

349#, my child, and my determination not to be beaten.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I thought that if I was going to let myself be cut open, risk dying, and spend some six weeks at the outside recovering, that I better get the most "bang for my buck",.i.e., I want to have the most effective procedure, and I want to only have to do this thing ONCE. RNY seems to fit the bill, and also my penchant for sweets.

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 do have a fear of dying from this. However, viewed logically, I know that the chances are very small of me dying. I would tell people to use their fear to help them maintain a healthy respect for this procedure, and educate themselves as much as they can so that they can take steps to prevent such a catastrophe.

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 family has been very supportive of my decision, because they know that I've educated myself before taking any such large step. I answered all of their questions that I could, and when I couldn't, I took the opportunity to learn the answer. I actually was glad when someone thought of something I hadn't, and I am glad of their input.

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

The big thing about being in the hospital was how bored I was. I felt better about the second day, and by the fourth, it was torture. Fortunately, the beginning of the fifth day, my surgeon rescued me and let me outta there. Oddly enough, the biggest gripe I had with the hospital was that the tv had only a few channels, and nothing to watch. I wish I could've sent for a few movies from home. The nursing staff was great, very nice and very prompt.

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

no

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 tried not to think about the upcoming surgery too much, so that I found myself in the waiting area almost before I realized it. I simply trusted my own decision. I knew I had done my homework; I knew that I had found a good surgeon; I knew that I had specified the best hospital in the area. I very carefully stacked every odd in my favor; then I sat back and said to myself; "If I die now, then it's because God/dess him/herself pointed a finger from heaven down to me and said, 'you die!'" And there's nothing you can do about that.

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

Expect your intellect to be at war with your history, with your body playing devil's advocate. You will feel pulled in many directions; your last memory of eating, which is the way you have eaten for x number of years, will be still very fresh in your mind. Your intellect will try to run the scene and fail miserably. Your stomach will be in charge but be a harsh mistress.

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

Ten miles

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.

So far, I have eaten mostly whole liquids; mashed potatoes, pudding, cereal, yogurt. At week three, I've mangaed a soft egg, some tender chicken, and some fish.

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

So far it has been moderate. I have walked some, but not pushed it. After I see the Doc at week four, I'll begin a more stringent regimen of excersise. (As per his recommendations, of course.)

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

Two Bugs Bunny chewables every day.

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 had exactly 2 incidences of vomiting in the year since my surgery. Both were brought on by my having excess mucuous in my stomach due to a cold. I had some hair loss beginning month 4, but it stopped by month 7. I dumped one time only, in the first month, on milk. (Drank it too fast.)

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

This is an easy one. Before the operation, the anesthesiologist wanted some kind of arterial monitor thingy put in. It involved a needle of about an inch and a half being inserted into the inside of my wrist.(Visualize the nice, sensitive area that Gomez used to kiss Morticia on) Well. Let me tell you, it was awful. They tried sticking me on my right wrist four times. Each time, they would find an artery, insert the thingy, and hit a NERVE. I had pain from my fingers up my arm to my NECK each time. They then tried three times in my left wrist, and finally got it in. I had two huge black-and-blue marks on my wrists for almost three weeks. AGH.

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

Just visits to the doc. How helpful it is remains to be seen.

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

It's better than I expected, because he used really small staples.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am currently experiencing a plateau at the 200# mark, about one year out of surgery. I am battling it by increasing water & excersise and trying not to obsess about it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! YES! YES!!! People hear what I say now. I get faster service in restaurants, gas stations, etc. (It could be my increased confidence showing. I don't know.) AND let me tell you, I'm beating the guys off with a stick. ME?? Yup.