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

I have known about bariatric surgery for about 25 years. I am a Registered Nurse by profession and my early impressions of the surgery back then was that it was dangerous and silly. Of course now there are changes to the procedure that make it safe and livable, but in the early days there were alot of mistakes made. I am very comforable with the newer techniques, the amount of small bowel that is resected, and the size of stomach that is left. I had the surgery done laproscopically and that is by far the best way yet.

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

Since I am disabled and on Medicare there was no pre-approval needed. I did make sure that there was plenty of documentation about my need for the surgery in my records though.

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

I came to my first visit very informed before hand. I read every peice of material that I could find on the surgery, and felt very confident. I think that anyone thinking about this surgery would be smart to study up on it as much as possible. There are so many web sites available now, and talking to others who have had the surgery helps too. My visit with the doctor was fairly short since I did not have many questions and he could see that I was very informed. He seemed comfortable going ahead with the surgery as soon as possible which was my desire in the first place. He did make sure that I completely understood everything about the technique and the risks though.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt that it was my last chance at life. I was in a wheelchair, I was sick and depressed and in alot of pain. I felt that it was the only option left for me, and I am very glad that I did. I have not regretted it for a single moment, I only wish I had done it sooner.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Being a Nurse I had seen the laproscopic procedure with a gallbladder removal and had also seen the quick recovery time with that type of surgery. Any time a less invasive method can be used it should be, the body does so much better healing. I had also had a c-section in the past and remembered how long it took to get back on my feet. The lap. procedure is much less recovery time.

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 really didn't have too many fears about complications. I took care of myself before the surgery, I didn't gorge on food the week before, but instead ate healthy and took extra vitamins and antiviral herbals. I wanted to be in the best shape possible for the surgery. I did not focus on fear, but instead on faith in God and in a positive outcome. If the surgery led to death then I felt ready to die, since my life had become unbearable as it was. I felt very secure as I went into the operating room, I felt as though the Lord was with me.

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?

I did not feel comfortable sharing my decision with everyone, so instead told a couple very close and supportive friends and my family. I did not want to hear anyones negative ideas about the surgery and what tales that they had "heard". I simply made my decision and told the ones supporting me that I would like their prayers and left it at that. I am glad that I did too. After the surgery when it became known, I was amazed at the people who thought they needed to be negative about it with me. I let them know that I was feeling fine and they were basically wrong in my opinion.

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

I am disabled and not working.

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 two days. I slept mostly, when I wasn't trying to walk the halls and get the gas moving again. The most important thing I brought was a bath robe to cover the hospital gown that dosn't cover very well and slippers.

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

I didn't have any complications.

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

The first three or four weeks were pretty sore. I was hungry alot, and had a hard time with fruit juice. I craved salt, and began eating chicken noodle soup by the end of the second week, that helped alot. I got diarrhea from the fruit juice, so by the third week started eating food, like mashed potatoes and other soft food. I didn't feel anxious, but I did miss my ability to eat more and became jealous of my family for being able to eat normal. I thought that it was horrible to not be able to eat and wondered what I had done to myself. Then I got used to the stomach size and started to feel more normal after about a month and a half.

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

I was tired and sore, I took the pain pills provided and did not do much. After the 6th week or so I started to feel better and began exercising at the local pool. The exercise really helped alot, I started getting some energy and feeling more positive getting out of the house.

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

I travelled three hours each way to the hospital and doctor who performed the surgery. I only had one aftercare appt. so this was not difficult. I did have to spend one night in a motel after I left the hospital so that I would be close by in case there were complications.

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.

At first I could only eat very soft mild foods. After about the sixth week I was able to eat meat and most other foods. Fruit and sweets bothered me alot at first, but by the end of the third month I felt totally back to normal and able to eat anything I want. I still cannot eat any fruit or sweet stuff first thing in the morning or I get diarrhea, but otherwise I can eat anything.

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

My activity level at first was very minimal due to having serious joint disease in both of my hips. I had not used my leg muscles much to the point of atrophy so when I first started to swim at about one month postop I could only go across the pool one time and then I had to leave. Now I am up to swimming one mile each time I visit the pool which is currently three to four times a week. I am now 7 months postop. I have gradually increased the swimming each time til now. I plan to swim one mile six days a week eventually. I am still using a cane to walk due to my hip problems and other activity besides swimming is still very limited.

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

I take three multivitamins daily, at breadfast, lunch, and bedtime. I also take calcium, vit.E, and B complex in the morning, and calcium and vit. E at bedtime.

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 had the dumping at first with sweets and fruit juice, or protien drinks that had too much carb. in them. This lasted about three months. Then at about five months I started losing hair and that has continued til present (7.5 months). I get nauseated if I overeat even one bite too much and have to lay down til it passes, but I have learned when I am full now and am more able to be careful.

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

The hardest part for me was getting used to the small stomach and learning to eat less. The surgery itself was not too bad and compared to other surgery much easier.

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

Not much other than e-mail and this web site. It has been helpful to read about others on this web site and relate to them. I did hit a plateau at 250 pounds and got on a list and asked for help. A couple of other ladies e-mailed me and encouraged me alot, and that was very helpful. I got a notice that my surgeon has started a group meeting once a month, and I may go but it is a three hour drive each way so that may be hard too. I think it is important to have support though, and I have enjoyed what I have found here.

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

I have five very small half inch long brown spots now. This is what I expected with the lap. approach.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 28 pounds the first month, then 15 pounds the second month. On the third through fifth months I lost 11 pounds each month, then on the sixth month I stalled and lost only 7 pounds. This was very disappointing for me. I had not been exercising regularly up to this point though and felt that it was time for me to take this in my own hands. I started swimming three times weekly and was able to lose 8 pounds on the 7th month. I am still working out, but I have noticed the weight loss has slowed a bit regardless of the exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. They ooh and ahhh over me. Many are just amazed at the difference in such a short time. Men hold the door open now, and I get some glances that let me know I am looking better. People just seem much friendlier in general.