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

I read about bariatric surgery in a magazine. Then I researched it on the internet over 2 years ago. I was going to have it done Oct. 2000 but was denied by insur. 2x. I felt like this would be a new lease on life. I talk to others about having a good quality of life and here was a chance to increase my quality of life. I was finally approved for surgery in Feb. 2002. Had surgery March 12, 2002

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

I was originally denied by a self-funded insurance policy. My appeal was also denied. I would call and ask if this surgery is covered? Ask what criteria must be met and go from there. Make sure to discuss all of this with your PCP, their support is critical. Call frequently after submission to ins. co to ensure they received all info. needed and track where your claim is, write down who you talk to and when.

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

I brought a long list of questions with me for my consultation. My surgeon was very busy it was the end of the day and he still had 6 patients left to see. He drew a pic. for me to explaint he surgery again, answered every question my husband and I had. His office manager was wonderful.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was diagnosed with glucose intolerance and was told that my next high sugar reading will ensure a diagnosis of Diabetes. I felt like I was missing out on too much with my family because of my weight. My energy level was diminishing and I was tired so often. I was depressed and even medication wouldn't ease the fact that I hated the way I looked and felt.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I really wanted the Laprascopic RNY procedure, although I ended up having it Open RNY. I had chose the Lap. because of the quicker recovery time and it was less invasive then the open. Although for my safety it ended up being important to have it Open. I took alot of time to study the different procedures before I chose what I wanted. I would recommend someone really studies the different options before settling.

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?

Fears, well they came as soon as I was approved! I was afraid that once I was openned up they would find something drastically wrong with me. I was nervous and jittery for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I actually lost weight during this time. I tried to stay very busy at home and work. I did prepare for the worst, I wrote out my wishes in case something were to happen to me and discussed them with my husband. I even wrote my own obituary!! Sounds morbid, but it gave me a piece of mind to know that most everything was taken care of for my family. I was a little afraid that they would open me up and for some reason not be able to do the surgery and close me back up. My suggestions to someone else pre-op would be to continue researching the surgery, post-op diet and changes. Educate your family and friends about what to expect. I pre-made and froze a few meals for my family. Go out for a nice meal of your favorites a day or two before surgery. I stopped drinking soda and tried a few sugar-free foods to see what I liked. Good luck!

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 don't think words can express how I feel about my families support through this, they all have been wonderful. My husband went to an informational meeting with me pre-op and my consultation with me, I encouraged him to ask questions. I brought literature home for my parents and sisters, they asked a few questions. I sent them emails from friends explaining what they were going through post-op. My husband and I talked very frequently about what I was about to do and how it would affect our lives (He was VERY worried!). My sisters and my mother took me out shopping for smaller clothes 2 days pre-op and out to eat for one of my fav. meals. We had alot of fun and they told me that no matter what I did they would support me, it made me cry! My co-workers had some questions and were worried but have been extremely supportive. After surgery I had lots of phone calls, cards and visitors...it was wonderful. I don't think I would have communicated anything differently, I was open and up front about what I was about to do with everyone giving them a chance to ask questions or voice concerns to me. I only had a couple negative comments.

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

I talked to my employer before I even submitted anything to the insurance to ensure that he would be supportive and also allow me the time off I needed. He was wonderfully open and even helped me get my hours covered. I haven't gone back to work yet. I'll be off a little over 3 weeks. I explained to my boss the dumping syndrome, just in case it happened at work. I'm exciting to go back to work and start back to my "normal life".

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

I stayed at the hospital for 4 days. My surgery was at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee. They were wonderful, the staff was very courteous and compassionate. I moved 3 different times after surgery, I wanted a private room and finally ended up with one that was beautiful. My husband stayed with me the entire time and the staff were great with him. I think I slept alot and didn't concentrate well, so I never did read the books

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

The most uncomfortable I was, was when I was given the shot twice a day to awaken my digestive system. It made my stomach and intestines contract and felt like labor contractions, thank goodness it didn't last long and I had the morphine button to push each time I got the medicine (It started with an R or a S, I don't remember the name of it). No complications at all from surgery (My fingers are crossed, since I am just 2 1/2 weeks out). At 2 months out I started having pain along the side of my incisional line. It turned out to be inflammed rib tips from all of the friction of exercising and having had everything moved around inside of me, I'm taking Vioxx for that now.

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 moment I found out my surgery was approved I think I went into shock. I felt stunned because I had wanted this for 2 years and had been denied twice before. After the shock wore off I was ecstatic until the week before surgery. I started feeling very anxious. I had diahrrea every day. I stayed as busy as I could keeping my mind and body busy. My mom and sisters took me shopping 2 days before surgery to buy some new smaller clothes and out for my last big meal. My inlaws bought me a food processor. I got lots of support. I was a nervous wreck the day before surgery, I couldn't eat...I think I just had a popscicle the day before surgery. I talked on the phone until 11 p.m. and then slept on the couch because I was afraid I would keep my hubby up all night. My husband woke me up and I think I was pretty quiet and serious. I took an anxiety medication and was off to Milwaukee (1 1/2 hour drive). I asked for drugs :) as soon as I got to the hospital, they didn't give me anything until I was in the holding room and they put in my IV. I did pray silently to myself and put my trust in god and my surgeon!

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

When I came home from the hospital I felt depressed the first few days. The depression lifted as my energy level got better. I tried to have a bottle of water near me at all times. It was important to me to talk to friends and family daily. I slowly started walking when the weather would cooperate. I would try to eat every 2 hours. I had my staples out 13 days post-op (doesn't hurt at all). I went back to work at 3 weeks, with just a few restrictions. No lifting over 8 lbs., no pushing or pulling for at least 6 weeks. I tried something new each day for food, so I wouldn't get bored. Somedays it was just a new flavor of pudding or jello :) I think having support during this time was very critical to my ability to be successful. At four weeks post-op tomorrow I have lost #23.5, for a total of 37#.

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

We traveled 70 miles. It took us 1 1/2 hours each way. We had relatives near the hospital and that was helpful.

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 am nearly 7 weeks post-op right now. I was on a liquid diet for a few days, then full-liquids for 1 1/2 weeks, after that I was on a pureed diet until one month after surgery. It was suggested that half of the calories I consume come from protein. I eat alot of cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, sugar-free yogurt, chicken and fish. I'm slowly trying new foods. I can eat 1/2 of a toasted bagel with fat-free cream cheese. The biggest challenge is choosing the healthier foods over the foods high in fat or with little nutritional value (starches). I just started eating fresh fruits, I can't eat grapes because I can't chew up the skins well enough. I enjoy strawberries, watermelon, canteloupe and mandarin oranges so far. I would highly recommend cutting up your meats very small and chewing very well before swallowing. I had a piece of chicken get stuck in my new stoma (openning coming out of the stomach)and it HURTS! At 5 months post-op, I can't eat some breads, don't eat sweets unless they are sugar-free, don't eat carbonated beverages and feel totally fulfilled.

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

I had a funny experience the day after I was released from the hospital. I could not sit for more then 2 or 3 minutes all day, I was so jumpy and had nervous type energy. The next day I was so sore and tired, I think it was a reaction from the narcotics I was taking in the hospital. Each day my energy level got better. It has been nearly 7 weeks now and I almost feel like I did pre-op, I still get tired easily, although I do more physically then I did pre-op. By 3 weeks I went back to work and I walk alot at work. I now park further then my destination, I take stairs instead of elevators and I am outside much more then I use to be. I start water aerobics classes 3x weekly in 2 days.

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

Since surgery I take 2 children's chewable multi-vitamins. At 5 months post-op I started taking Zinc for temporary hair loss.

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 only side effects I've really had is gas occasionally. I have dumped only once. When I menustrated I became very weak, dizzy and my vision was blurry, my PCP told me my iron was fine I was dehydrated. So I will work on adding my fluids during that time in the future. At 3 months post-op I started losing some hair, still at 5 months I lose hair whenever I wash & brush my hair

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

The week before and after surgery! The anxiety pre-op and the discomfort after surgery. I was afraid to start eating...once I did everything was fine, I haven't had any vomiting.

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

I have friends who have had this surgery and their support has been invaluable to me. My families support is also very critical. I have enjoyed the OBESITYHELP.COM.

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

I originally wanted my surgery laprascopically so my scar is quite different then I originally expected. I have an 11" scar going from my belly button up. I had staples so it looks like a zipper. I also have a 1" scar to the side (where lap. was attempted). It is healing fine.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

During my week of menustration it is frustrating to not lose weight, although it is very common. At 7 weeks, this is the only plateau experience I have had.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, some people do. One person at work makes excuses for what she eats and talks about diets & losing weight to me alot. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable because I don't want her to think that I would judge someone else by what they ate or looked like. My family is over-protective, although it really gives me a sense of security knowing this...it doesn't bother me at all. Some people ask me what I've lost as soon as I see them.