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

from my primary care doctor when I was a child. Later decided to go for it after my best friend had the DS.

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

It was a nightmare dealing with TN BCBS PPO. Dr Elariny got approval for the first half og the DS, but I paid cash for the second half. (The Switch). We are hoping that Medicare will reimburse us soon.

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

The first meeting was wonderful. Dr Elariny is an amazing man, and you can see that he is totally dedicated to improving the lives of obese people. He has a splendid bedside manner, and is very informative about the surgery. His staff is also very patient, and helpful. You know you are in good hands after your first meeting with thie fantastic surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the DS after I saw the enormous success rate that former patients had experienced, and also after I learned of Dr Elarinys success rate and reputation.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the DS, because it has a lower rate of future regain, and allows more normal eating habits.

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?

My major concern was pulmonary embolus. I weighed the risks/benefits carefully before making my decision to have this surgery, but given the fact that I was dying a slow death at any rate, I decided that the benefits outweighed the risks enormously.

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?

My family did not want me to have the surgery because of the risks, however, they respected my decision to go ahead with it at any rate. They have been very supportive as well as amazed to see the great transformation which is taking place in my life.

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

I was on disability at the time that I decided to have the surgery. I still am on disabilty because I have Multiple Sclerosis, however I plan to return to work and school after I reach my goal weight.

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

The first part of my DS, (VG) I went straight from the recovery room back to my hotel. There were no comlications, and I was able to tolerate liquids, and walk. With the DS (switch) I stayed only overnight at the hospital. The most important thing to bring is someone to help you communicate with medical staff, as well as to assist you in ambulating and walking which is vital after this surgery.

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

I had no complications whatsoever with the VG, and with the DS, my heart rate dropped to 39, and I was given an injection to resume a normal heart rhythm. This was not a serious complication I was told.

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 only had a bit of nervousness and butterflies on the drive up to Virginia. I think this is normal for every surgical patient. I just knew that I had to have this surgery to save my life, and tried to focus on tht point. I also made sure that I had all of my affairs in order, just in case there was a problem.

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

I only experienced a bit of weakness, and felt lethargic for awhile. At times I felt a bit lightheaded, but attribute that to being somewhat dehydrated, as it is a challenge to get in enohgh liquids in the beginning. I had no trouble getting around, and even with doing some of my normal chores the first 2 weeks.

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

I travelled 11 hours by car to Virginia from Nashville. I will have follow up care with my pcp, and will see Dr. Elariny once a year, and will forward him all of my bloodwork, and test results as he requests. If I have any complications, I will return to Virginia immediately. He is worth the drive, and although there are surgeons in my area, he is the only surgeon for this girl! :-)

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.

The first day following surgery I was on clear liquids, the following day, I was allowed full liquids, and after the first few days I was allowed soft foods. I remained on soft foods for about 3 weeks, just to be cautious. My tastes have greatly changed, and I no longer have unhealthy cravings that I had in the past. Foods that are off limits for awhile are seeds, nuts, tough meats, and soda. I have had no problems tolerating any foods, however you must chew very thoroughly after this surgery. Tough meats can be a challenge.

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

My activity levels were only challenged for the first two weeks. I had the slightest bit of pain for about a week, but not even enough to take pain meds after the first three days following surgery. After the end of two weeks, I felt back to normal at near 100%.

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

After the VG I had to take a multivitamin with iron, and after the Switch, I have been on vita4life (12 per day), as well as ADEKS chewables.

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 only experienced nausea one time when I woke up in recovery. I never vomited anything, but had several dry wretching heaves. I have never vomited follwing either procedure. I only have loose stools if I eat a meal which has a high fatty content to it, otherwise, I have 2 normal BM's every morning. I have never had dumping, and only had minimal hair loss after the VG which has since stopped.

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

The worst part of both of the procedures was the IV's. I hate that part of any surgery. Otherwise it was a breeze.

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

I am unable to attend any supprt group meeting, because I live in Nashville Tennessee. I do however belong to Dr Elarinys yahoo groups, and they are great support for everyone. I also feel at liberty to call the office anytime I have a question or concern, but my main support is that of myself when I look in the mirror each and everyday and see the transformation happeneing right before my eyes. What a revelation this is to start life over again.

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

I only have 4 small scars from the laproscope. They healed easily, and you can hardly see any of them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not experiencecd any plateaus as of yet. I have had a steady weight loss since last year when I had the VG, and hope to continue to lose until I reach my goal weight of 175.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people treating my very differently now. I no longer get stares, or rude comments, giggled or laughed at which is a daily occurrance when you are obese. I finslly feel like a normal person again.