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

Saw it on Televison, and thought about it, but did not think it would ever be possible. I thought it might be my only chance to regain my life, even though it was extreme.

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

I was denied twice by the HMO provider, St. Mary's Choice. Out of frustration I wrote directly to the HMO Blue Cross, the appeals, and sent a letter describing my plight, my co-morbidities, and a photo. Within THREE days I had my approval. Don't give up. I was 230 lbs or more overweight. This was my only chance at life at this point.

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

It was very nice. He was pleasant, not condemning like so many doctors (and dentists) are. He explained it all to me, had me watch a video and weighed and measured me. I had to travel 100 miles to see him, so I was extremely nervous.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I went in to see the doctor and I couldn't breathe. I was in heart failure. I also had to have some fibrous tumors removed, and the GYN refused to operate until I had lost at least 100 lbs. I went back to my primary care doctor and he started the ball rolling.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was no deciding. I wanted laprascopic, and that is what I was able to have.

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?

The percentage rate for complications is 2% out of 100 patients, I was told. Not a high percentage. I was so scared I would not make it out, but at the same time, I knew I would be dead in a year or even months from the heart failure. I wrote out my will (go ahead, laugh) and put all my ducks in a row just in case. I cried when I got up on the gurney. I was terrified, and no matter what anyone said, it didn't help. Within minutes I was out, and then I was awake and it was all over. Now I know I'd do it again. And I'm not even worried about having the skin removal surgery if I have to, and if I can get the insurance to pay for it. Being scared is something that you have to handle. I'm not saying suck it up. I didn't. But somehow, when you have everything done in case of complications, there usually isn't any.

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 and friends have encouraged me from the very start. I could not have done this without them. Even now they never fail to tell me how well I'm doing. I do a bi-monthly letter to over 300 high school alumni from the 60's, and have shared this with them. The whole thing. Now, 3 others are in the process of being approved. I was so excited the day I found the seat belt in the car fit around me! Then, just yesterday, I was able to cross my legs. Something I hadn't done in many many years.

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

They were supportive. Still are. I told them every step of what was being done. I stayed out 6 weeks, but really could have gone back in 2-3.

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

the first day, I felt like I'd been hit by a Mack Truck. My husband stayed there as much as he could, but I didn't want visitors. Just sleep. And something to drink. I was sooooo thirsty. By day 2 I was able to have apple juice and water. It was heaven.

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

No. Just wanted FLAVOR! I even actually tasted stuff and spit it out just for flavor.

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 felt stronger and stronger each week after surgery. I didn't want the same foods I had before either. My taste changed on it's own, not because of modification. I had no anxiety.

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

It was quiet. I was able to do a little more everyday, and my husband made me get out and walk. Since we live in the desert, My walking became Wal-Mart and the Mall. Take it at your own pace, but make no bones about it, you need some exercise even if it is only walking.

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

120 miles. It didnt' effect the aftercare. I just had to go down there when I had an appointment. Of course it meant an all day outing.

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.

Following the surgery I could not eat EGGS, my favorite thing. They made me ill, and I often threw them back up. I just added things slowly, until now I can eat almost anything at 6 months, just in very small quantities. The worst part is not drinking when you eat!!!! And no sodas.

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

My activitiy level was low. One day I sat down on the floor on the bean bag chair to clean out a drawer, and then I got up. Holy Crap. I got UP! It took a crane before to get me off the floor. Seriously, I could not believe I was able to get back up!

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

Multiple vitamins, (liquid) and The B vitamin.

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 hated the nausea, and the vomiting. I didn't have sleep disturbance anymore, and never really lost any hair. My problem is I can't tell when I'm full, and I then vomit. It doesn'thappen often now tho.

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

The first 24 hours. Since I had laprascopic, I was able to eat and drink sooner than the traditional surgery. That first 24 hours with no liquid was horrible.

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

We don't have a support group where I live. The nearest one is 30 miles away. However, I have 3 women at work that had it done, and one in my apartment building. We talk whenever someone has a problem, and they were soooo helpful after I got home from the hospital. We even shared clothes.

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

I have 4 little 1/2 inch scars. It's not like I'm going to model bathing suits anyway, unless AARP puts out a Playboy Calendar! I'm hapy with the way they look and how they healed.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

From month 4 to month 7 I only lost 3 lbs. I had already lost 100. I guess my body was catching up with the weight loss. Now I've begun losing again, altho not as fast. Funny, when I was big, I had no wrinkles. Now I look like that little Charpei dog. :(, but it's worth it. No more double chins, either. They were first to go. I did find out that just by walking around my work building 3-4 times at lunch, by the end of the week I had dropped 8 lbs. (It's a BIG building) I'm not an exerciser, but walking and swimming I can handle. Exercise IS important.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, little kids don't laugh or run away scared. That was a horrible feeling. Also, I've gotten a "promotion" of sorts at my job.