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

I've never spent a night in the hospital, never had surgery, never had a baby...the idea of being cut open made me sick. When my research showed me that there was the "lap" option, I started getting my "ducks lined up in a row."

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

I learned that a PPO was more likely to approve WLS than an HMO. When open enrollment happened in November, I changed. The staff of the surgical group did whatever paperwork for me, submitted it, and I was approved in less than a week.

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

I met with the surgeon Friday (during pre-op. testing) before Monday's surgery. She was personalbe, helpful, and informative. Because of this site and others, I was well-informed about the surgery. I was one of very few people who was able to get 100% on the pre-op test that the office requires of its patients. The surgeon did a mini-exam and I felt relieved and calmer that she actually knew me a little as a person - instead of just another entry in a parade of obese floats. My advice for others is to do your research and learn everything you can from sites like this one so that there are no surprises along the way.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Life's getting too difficult to live. Seat belts, chairs, theater seats, planes, walking the mall, personal care in the bathroom. I'm a very young 53 and don't want spend the rest of my life obese.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research, Research, Research. Roux-en-Y is the gold standard.

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'm a little nervous. I am not afraid of dying during surgery. I am focusing on the benefits. Again, do your research. Know what you are doing and be sure of your decision before you take the leap.

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 told my family about my decision. They are supportive. None of them are obese. So far, I have only told two friends. They are supportive too. At this point, I don't plan on announcing my WLS to others. One week prior to surgery, I told a lot of my friends. They have all been very supportive. It is amazing how much people care about me becoming healthier. There are a number of friends who may also look into WLS. I am their inspiration. Most people think I am extremely brave. I guess I am. After 9 months, everyone who knew me before WLS - now knows that I had WLS. At - 130+ lbs., there is not much hiding the fact that I am smaller. Folks who meet me at my current weight have no idea that I was once obese. Of course, they see me with clothes on and so miss out on all my drooping skin.

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

I plan to be out for 2 weeks. I have 85 accumulated sick days so taking 10 is no big deal. I may not share this surgery with them. 3 weeks prior to surgery I told my boss and human resources about my decision. They were both extremely supportive. They helped me figure out the best way to take "sick" days. One week prior to surgery, I told 3 co-workers what I was going to do. They were also very supportive. Since being back to work, I have told a number of co-worker what I did but a lot still do not know. The "story" is out but I have really made no big announcement. Lots of folks still do not know and I am 3+ weeks post-op. At 9 months post op, there is no one who doesn't know that I had WLS.

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

My surgery was 7:30 AM on Monday, April 2, 2001. I could not have had better care. The bariatric ward deals with many patients each week and they seem to know everything to do for us. It was just a little like a "cattle call." However, I got individual care when I needed it. I had the same nurse as Carnie Wilson had when she was in that hospital. I was checked out before noon on Wednesday. Everything was provided - even a toothbrush. I brought a lot of things - but mostly never unpacked them.

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

No complications at all. I was given "pulmonary" treatments every 6 hours while I was in the hospital as I often get bronchitis after a cold. I think the treatments made my recovery faster and easier because I didn't have to do quite as much coughing after surgery - to get my breathing back to normal.

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 to schedule my surgery one month after I received insurance approval. I was so busy getting everything done, I barely had time to think about the surgery. I knew it was the right decision for me. I was secure with the decision. However, like most folks, I was scared and anxious and nervous. But, I had a smile on my face going into surgery and a smile on my face coming out of surgery. I knew it would save my life. "Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is taking action in spite of fear."

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

I went back to work two weeks after surgery. It was tiring but allowed me to think about something besides how I felt. I was still in some pain and had to get up and move around from time to time so as not to get stiff. I followed the surgeon's eating plan exactly. At 25 days I was pain free and a lot of my energy was back. It's good to have lots of support people in your life - home, work, play.

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

The surgery was in San Diego - at least a 2 hour drive from my home. I stayed in San Diego for the required 2 weeks and my Mom drove home. We stopped every 30-45 minutes to stretch - on the way home. I went back for my 1 month follow-up. I plan to go back at 3, 6, 9, and 12 month follow-ups - and then every year after that.

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 9-weeks, I am still following the surgeon's eating plan - as closely as possible. I eat fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, refried beans, cooked vegetables, a little fruit, a little cheese. I seem to tolerate these well as long as I don't eat too much or too fast. At this point I eat about 2-3 TBS. twice a day. At this point I don't eat beef, pork, fresh vegetables, bread of any kind, pasta, crackers, potatoes (in any form), or sweets. I am willing to wait until month 5 to add any of these foods. I want to take full advantage of this "tool" and the golden time for weight loss. I am still losing an average of a pound a day - 63 days, 63 pounds. At one year post-op, I eat anything that I want - just not very much. I still struggle with the food demons and have to watch the "snacking" as that is an easy habit to get into. I always monitor the amount of protein that I eat - protein first! I have lost 150 lbs this year and feel great. I WILL REACH GOAL - the first time I have ever said this.

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

The first 3 weeks, I forced myself to walk for 15 -20 minutes each day. Now (9 weeks) I can easily walk, at a quick pace, on the treadmill for 30 minutes and not even be breathing hard. I still don't like exercise much but I'm getting a little more used to it.

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

Chewable multi-vitamins Iron supplement Calcium Since 6 months post-op, I have taken bariatric vitamins - formulated for WLS patients. My blood work is perfect.

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?

At 9 weeks, I haven't eaten any sweets so I have not experienced dumping. I have "bubbled Up" a little liquid a time or two. I have vomited once (3 days ago) when I ate leftovers from the refrigerator. I was miserable for a couple of hours - then fine. I had some hair loss around the 4th-5th month. I started watching my protein levels at that point and the hair loss stopped. One interesting occurance has baffled me. For my entire life, my hair has been mostly straight - not like a board - but straight. This year, my hair has turned curly - not wavy - actually curly.

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

Nothing was very bad. I had some pains right after recovery. Mostly I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it was. The nursing staff had to remind me to use my morphine drip. My family had to remind me to take the Vicaden. It just wasn't that bad for me. I was surprised that the pain took 24-25 days to go away completely. I was a little uncomfortable sleeping up until that point. At one-year post-op, I have discovered that I need to be pro-active about my after care. The surgeon's office provides after care - but the patient has to initiate the interaction.

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

I can choose to travel 2 hours to a support group for my surgical group. However, I have not done that yet (9 weeks). I have managed to set up a support group with friends, co-workers, and family which has been extremely helpful. However, I did not know anyone personally - before surgery - who had been through WLS. I do spend a fair amount of time with online support - which has been absolutely wonderful. I have made many online friends and continue to learn and share almost daily. These online support groups prevented me from feeling like the "Lone Ranger" through this whole process. If there were a closer "in person" support program, I would attend. At 10 months post-op, I found a closer "in person" support group. I have attended 3 monthly meetings and enjoy the interaction. Also, I have learned that I must be proactive about getting the after care from my surgeon's office. They do not actively persue their patients. If I want to have communication with them, I have to initiate it.

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

I have 6 small Lap sites which I believe will all but disappear in time. The one in my navel the surgeon couldn't even find at 5 weeks. The one in the center - just below my bust is a pink dot - 1/2 the size of a pencil eraser. Three others are small (about 3/4 inch long) pink lines now (9 weeks). And the largest one near my waist on the left size is a little over an inch in length and is pink about 1/4 inch around.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had nothing but plateaus since surgery. At 63 days I have lost 63 lbs. which is very good and very fast. However, I have had one plateau which lasted 12 days and two plateaus that lasted 6 days each. Most weight losses have come in "chunks" and then I stay at that weight for a few days before moving on. I guess in my case, the body has to "catch up" to the scale. Plateaus happen. At one-year post-op and down 150 lbs, I can tell you that is just something that each of us has to deal with. It can get to be discouraging - but I have found that photos and clothing sizes are motivators when the scale is at a standstill. Continue to look at the BIG picture --- how far one has come from the beginning. It is important to maintain a positive attitude so that you will continue with proper eating and nutrition - no matter what the scale says.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, and it makes me a little sad. I still have 125 lbs. to go and I am still morbidly obese. Yet, apparently I look more "regular" than 10 weeks ago. Strangers will look at me (my face) and smile rather than look away. Friends want to "jump onto a winning team" - want to be part of my success - want to encourage me. Some obese friends are jealous of my success and occassionally shy away from me these days. Yes, there is a BIG difference in how other people treat me. Those who meet me for the first time would never guess that I was once morbidly obese. It is disconcerting, to say the least. It is both good and bad. My emotions run the gammet. Co-workers seem to wait until I wear something new and smaller before they say anything. I mean - it's not like they have to compliment me everytime I pass them in the hallway. Once a week - or so - co-workers might say, "Looking Good!" in passing. Some of my family members have not seen me since Christmas when I announced to them my intention of persueing WLS. I had the surgery at the beginning of April and I will see everyone together again in the middle of June. So, in 11 more days, I will let you know the outcome. I get better service at the store. People seem to see something other than my obese body. They are beginning to see a person as well. Honestly, I did not experience as much prejudice about my obesity as others. I am an easy-to-get-along with person - with a smile and happy attitude for everyone. I have always had a positive outlook on life and have achieved much in spite of my obesity. I am intelligent and hard working. I "sort of" forced people to see beyond my body. I have been blessed with good genes and good health. Until the last couple of years, there was nothing that I wouldn't do.