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

I worked with a woman who had undergone WLS prior to my meeting her. When I saw before pictures of her I was amazed. That was when I began my own research and started my journey down the WLS path.

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

The first surgeon I visited was a very well known bariatric specialist. He was very informative and made me feel that I had his undivided attention. The problem was with his office helping with insurance. They submitted the surgical request the day after my visit. It was denied that same day. They called the day after receiving denial and told me I had to follow up and press for approval. I received no further help from them and was told I "really had no reason for seeing the physician again until the insurance was approved." It is often said that all things happen for a reason. And this is so true. I sought and found another surgeon and have never been happier. Not only is he a great doc but his staff was more than helpful in dealing with the insurance company. They did everything. All I had to do was provide them with information. They were great!

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

My surgeon was wonderful from the very beginning. He made sure I understood everything - the good and the bad. I was not made to feel pushed for time. And no question went unanswered. I suggest to everyone to have a list of questions before you see your surgeon. That way you don't forget to ask something that you really want to know. And write down the answer next to the question. Then you have both side-by-side to refer to and to be sure you actually asked and recived answers to each point of concern.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 38 years old and my son was 13. At 5 feet tall I weighed 260 pounds. I took a long hard look at my life and knew that if I wanted to see my son grow, graduate, go to college, marry, have children, that I had to do something. And I had to do it now. So, ultimately, it was my son that was my deciding factor.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After talking with my surgeon, I made the descision to have the gastric bypass with a Fobi pouch. I had researched this option and felt that it was the best option for me. There seems to be a higher percentage of long term weight maintenance, and, due to the ring at the pouch, you must be a little more disciplined with your eating habits. And I needed that forced discipline.

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 had no fear of dying, even though I knew it was a possibility. I am a registered nurse and work in surgical services (not in the OR). I trusted my family of co-workers and my surgeon. However, in my mind, without quality of life, I wasn't living before surgery. So the thought of not living through surgery wasn't an issue. I believe you have to weigh (no pun intended) all the pros and cons of the surgery. Then, you have to put those up against the condition of your life and compare the end results. That should help place any fears/concerns in perspective. And I'm not saying that you shouldn't be concerned or have fears. Just that they need to be weighed. If you had no fear at all, then you haven't asked enough questions.

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 have been my rock. Without them I would never have made it!Initially co-workers and friends made comments like "you don't need surgery; you're not that big; you're not fat." They were just trying to help make me feel good about myself. But, what little white lies! You know when you weigh 260 pounds that you are fat! In the end, when they all eralized that I was going through with my decision, they were very supportive. I explained to everyone that this was something very important to me and that I needed their help..all of their help in dealing with the surgery and with the life style change. And they all came through like champs. My parents, son, fiance, brother, they all have been so good to me. Without them and their unending support I would not have come through so easily. Tell your support person(s) why this is important to you and that you really need them to help you to help yourself. Be sure they understand what the surgery entails (pre, during, and post).

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

Since I work in the hospital where I had surgery, and I work in surgical services, my boss understood the procedure. And after a lengthy discussion, she understood why I chose to undergo the WLS. I was very honest and up front, and that meant alot to my peers and my boss. I was out of work for about 8 weeks, only because I had an open procedure and my job is very physically demanding.

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

I was in the hospital for only 3 days, which is a shorter length of stay than usual. However, my surgeon decided that I would get more rest at home due to the number of visitors I was receiving (bless my co-workers for checking on me every hour). I did get wonderful care while in the hospital. Be sure to bring a good book, your post-op eating instructions, and non-skid socks or slippers. Sometimes the staff may not be familiar with your eating plan so having it in writing helps you and them. And you need to walk! Hence the non-slip socks/slippers. And while you're lying in bed, read something non-essential! You've been focused on this day for so long, your brain needs a break!

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

I had no post-op complications. My WLS went silky smooth.

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

When I received notice that I was approved, I was ecstatic. I couldn't get scheduled soon enough! I didn't feel anxious until the morning of surgery. I was sitting in the pre-op area, waiting to go back to the holding area and have my IV started. My family was with me and, as I looked up I saw my son just staring at me. I realized then that he was scared. He had not said anything about my having surgery, and I had failed to ask him how he felt. I just held on to him until I got ready to go and then told him I would be back soon. I made him that promise. And I have NEVER broken a promise to him. So he was okay then; he knew I would be back and it would be alright. With that, all nervousness left my body. I was completely calm. I knew, with everything inside of me, that I was okay and that this was right.

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

I went from the hospital to my parents home. I slept in my Mom's recliner for a couple of days, just because my room was upstairs and that was a little difficult. I was physically exhausted and had a very difficult time with walking or standing for any length of time. My Mom had to help with baths. And my Dad was awesome. He made all of my food exactly the way I needed it; made sure I ate/drank even when I didn't think I could. He was my cheerleader. And he pushed me when I thought I wanted to quit. My advise to others is to make sure you have a strong support team at home. That is probably the most important thing to have!

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

I live in the town where I had surgery, so this was not an issue.

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.

Initially, I was on liquids and pureed foods. I had skim milk, ice chips, crystal light, and watered-down gatorade. My Dad made creamed potatoes, and soups that he would puree for me. Sometimes he would take the potatoes and add some baby food meat, mix it all together, and it would be like gravy with the potaotes. Eventually, I was able to eat a saltine cracker over about 30 minutes. And then, after about 2-3 months, I was able to have soups, potaotes, crackers, instant breakfast, oatmeal. All within limits, of course, and all low fat and sugar free.

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

My activity level was extremely low for the first several months. I felt like my plug had been pulled! But gradually I was able to increase it and began walking and doing light exercise.

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

Daily I take: multivitamins, calcium, nail/hair supplements. Often I also take garlic and energy boosters (natural-like bee pollen). I also occassionally supplement my protein with shakes/drinks.

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 suffered from hair loss and nausea/vomiting. The hair loss has been difficult for me. I had fine hair to begin with and usually kept a perm just for the volume. After surgery I had a great loss, and was afraid to use any chemicals on my hair. New growth began and continues, but as of yet I still haven't used any chemicals. As for the nausea/vomiting, I still have that to contend with. However, I usually know what the cause is when it occurs. You learn to know your body and you learn (quickly) what makes you feel gross!

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

The day after....You question your sanity and why you would ever put yourself through this kind of situation. But, it passes rather quickly and life is good!

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

We have a support group which meets at the hospital monthly. There are a lot of good suggestions and a lot of good information is shared. It is vital to your success to be involved with a support group. You need the compassion/experience of someone who has "been there, done that."

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

My scar is minimal. It has shrunk a great deal. It is much smaller and more insignificant than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I didn't really have a plateau. I lost most all of my weight within the first 9-10 months. At nearly 2 years out, I have been at the same weight for almost a year.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!!!Isn't that sad? What does that say for us as a society?