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

I heard about is over 20 years ago and thought that people that changed their body surgically were nuts. After all, losing weight was only a matter of "will power". I was not morbidly obese at that time. Then around 10 years later it came up again in a support group that I was in. My reaction was basically the same because I knew that people had this done only to gain the weight back again. I was morbidly obese at that time but still pretty active. Then, 18 months ago, a close friend had RNY surgery and did very well. I did research and found that things had changed vastly since my initial exposure to it. The process that Dr. Otteman does utilizes a grommet ring to help assure that weight gain is minimal, if a threat at all. I was intrigued, asked questions, continued researching it and then became, beside myself, excited about having it.

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

My insurance turned me down initially and we had to "go to battle" with them. Dr. Otteman's office was instrumental in helping to guide me through this process. The insurance company's attitude was that this was still an experimental procedure and that they did not approve of it. But, while you are in there could you take out her gall bladder since 28% of all people that lose a lot of weight end up going back for gall bladder removal. Geez!! I was approved after the appeal, letters from Dr. Otteman and my GP. I had to reschedule my surgery 3 times before it actually happened.

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

My initial visit was a very positive experience. They were prepared with video tapes and the nurse was extremely knowledgeable it helped put us at ease. One thing that impressed me was that they were very honest about the success rate of the procedure and the loss rate. They already had a list of questions and answers that was very helpful. They answered all the questions that my partner and my mother had and were very respectful. In preparing for the initial meeting you should do some up front research and go with a list of questions you want to ask. Ask about the doctor's background, how long he has been doing this type of surgery, how many he does in a week and what are the complications he has experienced. It helped me a great deal to attend the support group that my doctor's office had set up prior to my even deciding to have the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I did the research and saw that there was a huge success rate. This was the last resort for me. My health was deteriorating at an ever more increasing rate and I knew that if I did not take advantage of this tool I would not live to see 50.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Doing the research on line. The doctor that my friend used had a very high success rate with this RNY and the chances of my gaining back the weight was greatly minimized.

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 did have a fear of dying during the procedure. I made my peace with dying, made sure my family was all taken care of. However my greatest fears were that something would happen that would prevent me from having the surgery. I also feared about what I would do with the feelings that I was putting into food before the surgery. I would advise that you have all of your affairs in order. Make sure that your family is taken care of in the event of your passing. Make your peace with the possibility that you could die. It is a possibility, albeit remote, it is a major surgery and complications could arise. Focus on coming out the other side, visualize it and embrace it. It will be a whole new life.

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 have been truly blessed in that I have encountered only positive reaction and support of my decision. I know that the people that loved me were in great pain watching my health deteriorate as it was. They were all relieved and very supportive about my decision to have the surgery, thus saving my life.

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

My employer and manager have been very supportive. I told them the truth and explained the whole process to them. They know that I will be a healthier and more productive employee when I return to work. I will be out of work for 6 weeks, probably returning part time for two weeks.

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

My 4 days in the hospital were, mostly, a very postive experience. The nursing staff was exceptional and caring. They were quite used to working with obese patients and most chose to do so. The most important thing that I brought with me was music with headphones to listen to. I helps to keep your mind off the pain.

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

The only complication that arose with me was not being able to find a suitable vein for my IV. They put in a central line and all was well after that.

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 weak and had problems getting myself to eat. The thought of food just was not appealing. I really had to force myself. Getting into the routine of the vitamins, protien and eating is still a challenge at 5 weeks out. I worked throught the anxiety by meditating and looking forward to my life when all is at an even keel again.

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

My first weeks were spent mostly in front of the television and in bed. My partner was home and that was a godsend. It is very helpful to have someone there to help you with things like preparing meals, helping with dressing and just for the company. Expect to be very tired and weak and expect not to be completely on track with your eating yet. Your pouch will be very sore for a while and very picky.

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

About 30 miles. My aftercare was uneventful. Help and advise was a phone call away.

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 first couple of weeks all I could eat was pureed soups, meats and cheeses made pretty liquidy. Lots of Jell-O and Crystal Light. I was able to drink lots of water since first coming home. In the weeks that followed I was able to stop pureeing the food and just taking very small bites and chewing thoroughly. Waiting several minutes between each bite. I eventually was able to add soda crackers, nearly burnt toast and rye crisp. At five weeks I am still eating soft foods with the exception of crackers. Lots of soup.

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

I was able to get up on the second day after surgery and shower on the third day. On getting home I was able to shower and take small walks around the house. In the second week I was able to walk about 3/4 of the grocery store. In the thrid and forth week I was able to drive and walk further distances. Also in the third week I was able to walk up and down a flight of stairs.

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

I have tried Isooure protein supplements and have had problems getting myself to get them down the hatch. I take Flintstones chewables and a sublinguel Vitamin B12 as well as 3 Viactive chews every day. Eventually I hope to get back to my regular multivitamin supplement and vitamin C.

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?

The worse has been the pain of something passing through the pouch that is slightly to large. I usually just sip water until it passes through, usuallu about 10 minutes. Also the gas that can develop if you take n too much air or if you fill your pouch too full or too fast. Yikes!!

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

The gas pains on about the 7th day out of surgery. Being patient with the process of what the ouch will accept.

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

My partner was home with me and it made all the difference. There are just certain things that you can not do. I also had friends that made soups for me. Lots of phone calls. All of this support has been invaluable to me and my recovery.

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

My scar is about 12" long and now it looks like a railroad track. The biggest complaint that I had was that it is not in the middle of my tummy but off to the side a little bit. We have teased the doctor about this. In fairness the scar is in the center when I am lying on my back. :-)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 1 year out I have experiened only 1 huge plateau. I have been, virtually, at a stand still for a couple of omnths now. I'm sure this is normal, however, frustrating. At only 5 weeks out the only plateau that I have experienced is not being able to eat a more diverse selection of foods. Still having to do the soft thing and I am getting impatient.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes - very much so. Not yet. I am still hundreds of pounds obese. Of course the people that are in my life treat me very supportively and positively.