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

I knew about the surgery years ago. I thought at the time it was only for the rich so I never ever considered it. Then about three or fours years ago I saw a program about the surgery being taking place in California by a middle age black surgeon and I noticed that all of his patients had struggle all there lives with weight control. I received some information in the mail and a video tape and check them both carefully. And then I learned that you insurance would possilbe pay for the proceedure. This made me think well maybe this is for me.

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

I did not experience any problems with getting preapproved for the surgery. The University of Pittsburgh has a weight management program I called them (after holding on to there phone number for six months or so). They sent me a questioniare. I filled it out and mailed it back and based on my answers I was condidate for surgery. Once I picked the surgeon from a small list provided to me by the weight management program I made and appointment. The staff at Dr. Courcoulas's office took over and set the wheels into motion. In 4-6 weeks I had may preapproval from my insurance company. I am not sure what to tell others except maybe ask about the sucess rate in for obtaining insurance approvals for this proceedure.

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

On my first vist to Dr. Courcoulas office I was very nervous. The staff was polite and the 30 minute vist with the doctor was I felt a bit rushed but overall good. To get the most of the visit with the surgeon do you home work and bring questions with you.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Based on the assessment made by Dr. Courcoulas the proper proceedure was found.

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 have a husband and three children so complications and dying from the surgery are two concerns I have. But with the good that will come from having the surgery I feel I will be a much happier and healthier person in the long run. This will be good for my family and myself for years to come. I would tell other people to think about your long term health if do not have the surgery. This should help with some of the 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?

2-12-01 I just told my mom, sister & my sons. My husband and daughter already knew about the surgery. They thought I did not need the surgery but after I told them about problems I am having due to my obesity, and the fact that I am at risk of becoming a diabetic they were okay with it.

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

The assistant director of my department and my office partner were the first to find out other than my husband. They were very supportive and kept and continue to keep my sugery confidental. I am not ready for a lot of questions from other staff members. I explained to them that I needed to have this surgery as gift to myself and my family. And that the surgery will help me be a more productive, healthier, happy employee. I have not had surgery yet and I anticipate being out of work around six weeks.

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

I had surgery at Shadyside hospital in Pittsburgh. I can not say enough good things about the nursing staff who took care of me. They were wonderful. Everyone was kind, understanding and very helpful. I've been in the hospital several times in the past and never had a more pleasant stay. I recommend this highly. I was admitted for same day surgery on 2-21-01 and I was release 2-26-01. I stayed one extra night because I was having trouble with lots of air in belly. The most important item I brought to the hospital with me turned out to be my lip balm. Because I did not get anything by mouth for about 36 hours my lips were very dry and the product the hospital gave me did not work well for me.

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

I did not have any complications thanks to my wonderful surgeon Dr. Courcoulas.

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 got my surgery date in Dec. 2000. I am very anxious about my upcoming date 2-21-01. I've just been talking to my husband. I must admit that a few days ago I thought about calling my PCP to give my something to calm me down. But I said some prayers and ask for strength and calm.

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

I've been home for almost two weeks and I am very weak. I went to the grocery store with my husband and had to sit in the car most of the time. That wasn't a good ideal. You are going to feel tired most of the time. Just putting this information on the site is exhausting. I've experienced a little depression (which the doctor stated was normal). It is good to have someone home with you for the first week or so. My husband took a week off to help me get around. He also help me when I would cry and feel a little upset and confused.

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

I live in Pittsburgh and did not have to travel at all for surgery.

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.

I was on liquids for 11 days and then I started to eat soft foods. The one thing that kept me from going crazy on the liquid diet was sugar free popsicles (they taste wonderful-no after taste). Flat diet gingerale and grape, cranberry juice did not feel good on my stomach. They created more gas and that is just what I did not need. I have now eaten strained oatmeal, pureered chicken, mashed potatoes, pureered green beans, noddle soup, no sugar added apple sauce and pears (pureered). You must eat very slowly and like you have a baby spoon. You must stop eating immediately when you feel full. So far I have not had any problems. 4-24-01 I am 9 weeks post op as of tomorrow and now enjoy almost anything I want to eat. I can tolerate all meats except ground beef and fatty pork. I must chew them at least twenty five times. I stay away from fried foods. I have found more sugar free snacks to make me happy. Trying to get in all the water is challenging and I am only able to drink 4-5 cups of lidquid a day. I try to make at least three cups water and I treat myself to tea or other sugar free beveages. So far I have not had much trouble with eating at all.

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

So far it has been two weeks and two days. I am tired but I am going to go out for about hour or so to see how I feel. I will probably have to rest but you've got to start somewhere. Overall I am very tired and some days I feel like I can sleep all day. I take one two hour nap each day and go to bed around 9-10pm each night. Due to the discomfort I only sleep 4-6 hours a night with the help of liquid tylenol. I did not take any last night and made it until 1:30pm. I went back to sleep in about 30 minutes after sipping on some water. I am very tired today.

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

I take two chewable childrens vitamins a day along with axid (antacid)twice a day (I must open the capsule and mix the powder with a bit of water-very bitter) and tums once a day for calcium. As soon a my prescription axid runs out I will take zantac once a 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?

So far the sleep disturbace has been the worst it leaves me sleepy all day.

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

At this time 9 weeks post op I have gone to a support group. The best and only support I have has been this web site. I am planning to join the the support here in Pittsburgh at Montefiore Hospital headed up by Dr. Fernstrom Directed of the Weght Management Program at the University of Pittburgh. The meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month form 7-8:30pm.

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

I had the open procedure. I had about 20-25 staples. My scar starts just below the middle of my breast and continues down until about 2inches from my navel. I had the staples removed yesterday 3-8-01 and the nurse remarked that my scare was small compared to some people with long torsos. The scar is a little longer than I expected. But I'm okay with it.