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

I first heard about it in 1990 and that this person sucessfully lost all there weight and family members told me I better do this. Really, the first time I thought about the surgery and began research on it was in 1999. I went to a diabetic nutrition class and was told of this type of surgery and that they being done on diabetic's who are overweight and had 2 co-mobilties with it. Which I had. I was to scared to have it done. That was just before I but on 120 pounds the next 2 years. I was told of the good and the bad. I believe that if I dont lose the weight I will lose my life sooner than later.

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

07/15/2002 Basically, my primary insurance is Providence Preferred. They only pay up to $500 toward the surgery and/or the pre-tests for it. Even if it is for medical reasons only and not for weight loss. In my case I medically needed this surgery. Of course, I am over weight and it would be a bonus, but mainly for medical reason if I did not have the surgery I would loose a significant about of time I would live. They didn't care. I am also on Government disability. They do no pre-approvals for surgery. You just have to jump in and hope they pay for it. I know a few people who are on disability and recieve medicare also and they had this surgery and it was parially covered. I do not know yet as I guess not enough time has passed since surgery. Also, I was on medicaid. I believe that they will pick up the balance. That is all I know for now. At this time MEDICARE has picked up most of the bill. The small balance I had was covered by my state medical.

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

My first meeting with the surgeon was ok. He seemed pretty distance and short with his words. I really did not like his bedside manor at first. He acted like I wanted a miracle cure and was hopeing this would be it. He made it quite clear that I understood that the surgery is only a boost and that I have to be willing to do what ever it takes to loose the weight including walking and exercise and watching what I eat. He refered me to several other doctors for evaluation including a physciatrist, lung specialist (to see if I had sleep apnea and to see how my lung were due to my asthma and pnemothorax), also I had to see a dietician. He then told me to come back after each doctor had time to send him a report. The way I recommend that people get the most out of your first meeting is to, before your appointment, sit down and think of all of the questions that you have about having this surgery and write them down. When you are there you will forget what you wanted to ask and then later you will feel bummed out. Atleast, I did. Anyway, take two copies with you so you can had him one and you can follow with the other. That way no question will be missed.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well, I had heard about this surgery in 1999. I had just learned I had diabetes and that since I had these other problems I would be a good canidate for this kind of surgery. I also knew that this is a life altering surgery not to be taken lightly. Also, the odds are high to have complications. So I decide I would just think about it and when I knew that this is what I wanted to do I would start investigating the possibilities. In the next 2 years. I gain over 200 more pounds. Partially due to medication I was taking and partially due to the kinds of food I was eating. Anyway, when I could no longer do things with my children. When I could no longer shop with out a wheel chair or without a riding wheel chair and when my health started to go bad very quickly. I decieded that if I did not do this then my life would me shortened greatly and that I would not be able to watch my grandchildren grow up I knew then that I was going to have the surgery and that I was not going to allow any problem stand in my way. I wanted to live so I chose life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Actually, I allowed the doctor to chose which procedure to have. One I had checked into the background of the doctor and listened to others had to say about him. Most of it was great. He explained to me that due to my size I had about 3-4 inches of fat that he would have to go through. So he himself felt safer doing a open incesion instead of doing a lap. I really agreed that it would be a safer way. Also, he had not done many lap's and I felt that doing the one he had more experience with would be safer for me. He did suggest that I get a 2nd opinion from someone else. As they may be more comfortable with the lap. Less scaring that way. I wasn't worried about the scar as I have one from my belly button all the way down. So one all the way up would only make me match. LOL. Anyway, I had a long wait to get to see him and I was still on a waiting list and still am on the waiting list at OSHU. It has been over a year since I have been waiting to just consult with someone there. I didn't want to wait any longer.

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?

Well, I was told of many complications. In fact, the family doctor I had at the time I was referred would not refer me at first and he had just seen a patient of his that had the surgery and went into a coma for a week and then spent the next 2 months in the hospital. He said that he had several patients who had the surgery and had complications and the odd are real high that I would have them to. That really didnt scare me. In a way, I guess I was afraid of dying fromt he surgery but I was more afraid if I did not have the surgery that I would die a early death and would lose years of watching my children grow up and have children of there own. That over shadowed the complications from surgery. I asked myself what kind of life would I have if I did not have surgery? I would tell anyone who was considering having this surgery that they really need to evaluate themselves. That they need to begin a weight loss program approved by there doctor before they even consider the surgery. That way they are more prepared afterwards. Also, if you are not more than 150 pounds overweight try to lose the weight first. This surgery should not be your first choice it should be your last choice after you have clearly and honestly given yourself a chance to lose the weight first. If you are at all afraid to have the surgery and you can only focus on death from the surgery. This surgery is not for you. If you are focused on life and by having this surgery you know you can have life, this surgery is for you. Only if you have the determination to fight to live. Also, prepare for complications so that you don't suffer if you do have complications. For instance, a will, a living will and a health care directive. Make sure all your doctors have a copy and take a copy with you to the hospital. Also, make sure the person that you want to make your health care decisions has a copy also.

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?

At first, my children did not want me to have this surgery. They were afraid that I would die. I kept telling them that if I did not have the surgery that I would not be able to live a long life due to my many medical conditions due to the obesity. Then they understood. I would of communicated to them that this is not a overnight miracle and that it will take time to recover and lose all my weight. They have been very supportive of me. Although, they thought it would be a miracle solution and overnight things would be better. My other family members and friends were also not sure I should do this. I explained to them the same way I did the kids and they understood. They were still worried for me but they did want me to be around alot longer than a few more years. I would not of communicated to them anything different. My family and friends have been very supportive. I am finding that as time goes on and I am in my 4 month after surgery that people are having a hard time relating to me. To me it seems they think that I am a different person inside. Yes, to a extent I am a different person. I have my self esteem back and I am happy. But, I think they are not sure about me. They just treat me differently. I hope they learn to accept the new and approved me. Only time will tell.

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

I do not work I am on disability and so this question really was never a issue.

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

My stay at the hospital was comfortable. The nurses and the nurses assistants were very knowledgable about what I had just gone through and so they were very supportive. I stayed in the hospital for about 5 days. The most important things I believe to bring is your personal items like: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, and hairbrush. If you have long hair, you need to bring hair tyes as you are in bed and you don't want your hair to get super tangled. Anything else, like books to read, that you would help make your stay more comfortable. You might want to bring a journal with you and write down what you are going through so that you can look back on it later, Or that you can share with others later.

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

The only complication that I had from surgery was that the doctors were having a hard time controling the pain. Adominal pain is bad anyway, but I had already been on pain meds for several months prior so my tolerance to pain medications were high. The doctors just kept trying different pain medication until they were able to get it under control. Other than that I had no 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?

After I found out what my surgery date was, I began to prepare food and prepare my will. living will and health care directives. I was very nervous but I filled my time with the things I mentioned. Also, since I knew there would be foods I would never again be able to eat. I ate them. I probably put on a few more pounds, but I wanted to make sure I had just one last taste. I probably used it to help with anxiety. Also, for awhile the doctor had to give me valium and I have a anxiety disorder and it did for awhile get out of control.

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

I don't think that anyone could be prepared for what they are going to go through in the first few weeks. The first 4 weeks were my worst. I was grieving food like food had just died. I could only eat certain foods and I got very sick of eating them. I also went through a time of depression probably from the shock to my system. I figured I went from eating about 4500 calories a day down to 400-700 calories a day. I hated my family cause they could eat whatever they wanted to. At that time if someone had asked me if I could recommend that surgery for anyone who was over 100pounds overweight and I would of told you that it is not something I would want my worst enemy to have to go through. That is how horrible it all felt. That passed and now I would recommend it. I suggest though you surround yourself with positive people and become active in support groups and have a support person to help you up. You should expect it to be one of the hardest things you will ever go through. But, things that are easy are not always the things we want. You have to want to live a healtier life to do this. It is not a miracle it is work. Don't do it if your not willing to work.

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

I only lived about 10 miles from my home to the hospital. This did not affect my aftercare and my doctor has been available either by phone or email as much as I have needed him. It is important during the first few weeks to be near his office so that if there is any complications you can get to the hospital in a reasonable amount of time.

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.

07/15/2002 When I first went home from the hospital. It seemed the only time I eat was when I took my medicine or vitamins as you have to crush everything. I hated the protein powder and at the time did not know about the website on recipes for protein powder so I was looking for alternatives to eat. For awhile, I was able to eat cottage cheese. Then after about 3 weeks I could no longer eat it. In fact, to this day I can not drink milk (even lactaid) as it causes the dumping syndrom. One of the things that caused the depression I went through was due to the fact it was hard finding a variety of foods for me to eat has it seemed everything I ate either caused me to dump it or try to throw it up. I know I can not eat any kind of bread what so ever. It causes blockage and it also when put in the stomach it bloats up. Try it in water and watch what it does. It then would cause my stomach to be overfull and that would cause me to have the dry heaves and the diareha. I am still trying different things. The things I can eat that haven't caused me problems is: mash potates, gravy, applesauce, friut, ensure, jello, etc.. I am getting together with my angel soon to try out different protein powder recipes as protein is so important in your diet. The foods that are off limit besides breads are: any type of food that has sugar added to it, candy, cookies and at this point unless my meat is pureed I really can't eat meat either. Mostly, fruits and vegtables.Basically, I can only eat healthy low carb foods. Many of the things I could eat in the begining I can not eat now. I will update with more details as time passes. 09/11/2002 Today, I still can only eat very small amounts and I try to advoid anything fried or caffinee as I have found them to be a problem. I believe I have adjusted quit well.

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

At first, I had a hard time still getting around. Partly, has I was in so much pain and due to the same problems with my back and knees I had before surgery. I few weeks after surgery, although I felt the need to run around the block, I couldn't as I didn't have the energy needed. I did do some walking but it would wear me out so bad that I would have to take a nap afterwards. Now at 6 weeks out of surgery. I am walking further than I did for over a year before surgery. I had been unable to do housework for over a year and now I am doing my share of housework. Although, getting on the floor or scrubing is hard for me. I do what I can and my family helps with the rest. It is very hard to believe how well I have been doing. Although, the doctor told me to pick up the amount of weight I have lost and carry it around and think about how I could not put that weight down before. Thinking that way made me realize that even losing 10 pounds could help a person. 09/11/2002 When I was 3 months out post op is when all of a sudden I had all this energy I did not know what to do with. So, I just started going. I rarely slow down. Usually, when my ongoing pain gets out of control then I have to slow down. Had that totally gone away then I don't think much would slow me down.

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

07/15/2002 I am taking chewable vitamins 1 2xday, Viactive 1 2xday (I was told this is the wrong kind of calcium and I am checking into the right kind. This is very important that you investigate this. I will update my answers here as soon as I find the right kind. Until, then ask others who have had this surgery. I am also take 1 tsp of iron 2xday. 9/11/2002 A couple of months ago I found out that I was taking the wrong kind of iron for my system. It is very important to get educated on the appropriate vitamins for someone recovering from this surgery.

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 side effects that affected me the most was nausia, dry heaves and dumping. The worse one for me was the dry heaves with the nausea. Since the dr fixed my hiatial hernia it has made it so that I can not throw up. I think it would of helped if I could of. I have problems with these side effects when I try new foods. The dr said that is normal and it is part of your body forcing you to eat the right foods for you. It lasted about 4 and a half weeks and still happens when I try a food my body does not like. The way I cope with it is. When I try a new food I don't leave the house for atleast 2 hours. Usually if I get to that point then I am pretty safe and it is a food I can eat. If not, the nausea and dry heaves start almost immediately and the dumping starts about 1 and a half hours after I eat.

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

The worst part about the entire bariatic surgery process was at two different points. The first one is the wait to see all the specialist and then the wait for a surgery date. The very worst part was right after surgery when I got depressed and it seemed that I could eat nothing without feeling sick. It was also the grief that I had to go through. The loss of my ability to eat what ever I wanted whenever I wanted to.

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

I have had a hard time getting in a support group that is helpful to me. As much as I have wanted to attend since surgery, due to my inablity to drive for 6 weeks after surgery, I have not been able to go. I am told about the group I planned to attend that mostly the people talk about ways to get around being able to eat no no foods. It has been my Angel who has been my biggest support person and my contact with others who have had surgery on the same time as I. My angel and I are planning to try several support groups in order to find the right one for us. I believe support groups are very important and can be helpful to those either thinking of having the surgery or for those who have had the surgery. Especially, if there is a wide range of people from those who had the sugery years ago to those who are looking into it.

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

My scar is from my breat bone to my belly button. It is wide and purplish and ugly. It itches alot. It is very much like I expected as I had a c-section where they cut me from my belly button down. So I knew what it would be like. 9-11/2002 My scar is at some points about a inch wide. It is so much more than I expected. I can not believe that it can stretch that bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

07/15/2002 At this point I have not had any Plateau experiences. 09/11/2002 I keep having a lot of plateau's. I go through times when you can watch the pounds on the scale just fly off and then there are times when you can't see on the scale you are losing weight but my pants and shirts all of a sudden are to big. So I don't mind them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

07/15/2002 My family seems to think that since I had the surgery things will be different immediately. So there expectations of me I think are to high. So far, anyone else realy has not treated me any different. 09/11/2002 I not only see my family treating me different but also my friends. It is tough at times but I know we will all hopefully adjust. I am told that I look skinny now, but I just don't see it. I think that is why they treat me different.