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

I first heard about it from my best friend who is a happy size 2. She has been after me for three years now to have the surgery but the fear of dying kept me away. By Grandfather died of a stroke at 37 and my Mother died at 36 from complications due to asthma. She was obese the last two years of her life. I find most healthcare professionals are rude and insensitive to overweight patients but have chosen to ignore them and do what is right for me. The fear of dying from obesity has forced me to research all I can regarding the surgery. I've heard enough success stories and met people who've been post-op for 2 years so I hope to be one of them someday.

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

It took two weeks for my insurance to approve me. I had no problems with them at all. For cost purposes I suggest patients stick to their in-network doctors so they only pay the co-payments. Otherwise, you will have out of pocket expenses which in the end can mount up. This didn't occur to me but I know someone who had to pay ot of pocket. It's not worth it.

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

I recommend doing lots of online research and speaking to people who've done the surgery especially those with similar weight, age, medical history, etc. You should also go to your surgeon's seminar (if possible) before your initial consultation because many of your questions will be answered there. This way you can use your consultation time to discuss issues particular to you. From the seminar you may learn if this is the type of doctor you want operating on you. It won't hurt to have a list of questions typed up in case you forget something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I'm 34 years old and the thought of continuing to gain weight is frightening. I don't want to die from a heart attack by the time I'm 40. I'm a single mother and the thought of making my son an orphan keeps me awake at night. I lost my mother at a young age, I want to make sure my son doesn't have to go through such a traumatic experience.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose laproscopic gastric bypass surgery because I feel it is the best procedure for ensuring I don't gain the weight back. I have met people who've had the lap band procedure and have begun gaining weight again after 4 years.

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 biggest fear is dying in the operating room from an operation that will offer me a normal life. I'm not so worried about leaks or infections with my surgeon since he has a good record. I think no one should have the surgery until they're 100% sure this is what they want. For me the benefits of the surgery outweigh my fears.

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?

At this time, my friends feel it is a great decision but are worried about any complications that may arise during the surgery. They want to make sure I know everything there is to know about the surgeon, the surgery and life post-op. My father thinks I should continue trying to diet and my brother, who is obese, thinks I'm insane for even thinking of having the surgery. He is very opposed to surgery for weight loss but is accepting of any decision I make.

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

My boss and co-workers are behind me 100%. They see and hear me everyday around the office fatigued from just walking a few steps. They're ready to help with nutrition, working out and even babysitting (just in case they read this) after the surgery. Of course, they did emphasize I need a will before the surgery.

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

My stay at Mercy Hospital was excellent. I was there for five days because I had a slight fever. Otherwise, the stay would have been 3 days. I took some lingerie which I could not wear because of the IV tube, etc. I recommend confortable shoes for walking the hallways, forget underwear and bras because they will be difficult to put on and take off. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, ponytail bands, etc. are a must. I was bored out of my mind because I do not watch daytime tv so I suggest several real good books to read.

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

I have no complications from the surgery; in fact, I only felt soreness not pain after the surgery. I think giving birth is more painful.

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 nervous once I knew my surgery date had been approved. From the date it was approved to the day of surgery it was a little over a week. Since I was on a 5-day liquid diet, I was unable to eat much which made me feel healthier. I only wish I had begun exercising before the surgery.

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

Someone else took care of the housework and cooking which allowed me the chance to recuperate without any stress. At work, I took things slow, as well. I did drive the day after I got home from the hospital because I could not stay home doing nothing. I watched lots of movies!

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

The hospital is just 20 minutes away from my home. Most of my appointments were at 4pm so I usually got a bit of traffic on the way home.

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.

In the weeks after surgery I stuck to liquids for about 3 weeks; although, I was supposed to move on to puree. I never had pureed foods except mashed potatoes. It was easier for me to stick to protein shakes, yogurts, cottage cheese and soups. I'm two months post-op and cannot eat eggs regularly. I eat fish, chicken and beef with veggies on the side. I try to make sure everything is the size of my hand or a little more. I even eat sushi now but moderately. The only thing my surgeon said not to eat is anything with sugar (sweets, cakes, etc.). Since I have to stick to a high-protein, low carb diet I've eliminated the following foods: bread (eat a slice only 1x a wk), rice (eat a handful only 2-3x a wk), sodas (never), anything with saturated fats (never), processed meats like ham or salami (a slice 1x a wk). I get my carbs from veggies and fruits. I prepare them steamed, roasted, boiled, grilled and raw. My usual diet is 8-10oz protein shake or fruit salad for breakfast, grilled chicken or steak with a very tiny salad for lunch, and dinner is usually a steak with a few scoops of rice and veggies.

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

Very low. I was taking it easy until my visit to the doctor 1 1/2 months after surgery. But, I could not stay home on the weekends. I went to the mall, movies, friend's homes, etc. Did not sit around much.

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

Multi-vitamin, iron, b-12, calcium (for life). I also am taking Co-Q10 and potassium for six months (on my own). Began taking Biotin 5 months post-op (some hairloss). Bloodwork results were excellent.

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?

Nausea and vomiting were the worse. They lasted for about 5 weeks. I had some moderate heartburn the first 3 weeks. At 6 months, I only feel sick if I over eat especially bread or eggs.

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

Fear of dying or having the surgery denied by my insurance company. I guess the psychological aspects of the surgery was the worse part.

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

I do not belong to a support group or program. I am lucky enough to have friends and family that support me 100%. They motivate me when I'm eating or exercising. I'm a single parent with responsibilities that prevent me from taking time away from work or family to attend a support group. Besides, it would not allow me enough time to workout! LOL

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

I have 5 tiny scars that have healed beautifully. They are smaller than I expected. I'm very pale so they are noticeable but once I can wear a bikini and tan my stomach they should not be so noticeable. Followup: At 6 months, I know I won't be wearing a bikini!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I feel as if I have not lost any weight in the last month. BUT, I know it's because I have begun to eat carbs (bread and some rice) which I did not eat in the previous 5 months.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No because I'm still obese. I thnk once I loose more weight it will be different. Followup: At 6 months post-op, I'm treated the same by family, friends and co-workers. Actually, they are great with compliments and ask questions about the surgery. I have noticed that people look at me more but I don't know if it's because they see a person that's confident or if they think I'm attractive. My boyfriend thinks I'm attractive so I guess I am viewed differently.