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

I went to college with a girl who had the surgery 2 years prior. At first I felt "Gosh, that is so drastic..." Then I found myself wanting to know more and more about it. It doesn't seem so drastric anymore.

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

This was very easy. I had the approval letter in my hand within 2 weeks of the surgeon's consultation. I guess my advice is don't give up...from what I hear sometimes it takes appeals and letters and phone calls to get the insurance companies to pay for this.

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

I really liked my surgeon right from the start. She was very informative and answered all of my questions. My suggestion to get the most out of this meeting is to write down all of your questions ahead of time as they arise. Then you won't forget to ask something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was at work and had the opportunity to see a procedure that was a once-in-a-life time medical event. I was so excited--one problem...I couldn't fit into the sterile suit that we had to wear. I said "this is it"...I am NOT going to let another once-in-a-life-time ANYTHING pass me up again because of my weight.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched and found that this proceedure met my needs the best.

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 am pre-op so I'm still very much feeling these things. I am a nurse so I know all too well the complications from this, or any surgery. I am afraid of not waking up...having a fatal blood clot...major infection...pretty much all of it!! But in my heart I feel that it is all worth it because if I continue to be this way, my life will be cut short anyway from obesity-related illnesses.

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 mom was really the only person who was truly happy for me. She too has battled this disease her entire life and totally understands the desparation of it. Everyone else--my husband, friends, co-workers--felt that I was too young and I could some how try "one more time" at a regular diet. They are starting to come around now that my surgery date is getting closer. And I know they will be there for me when I am post-op.

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

I have only told a few co-workers exactly what kind of surgery I am having. And they are very supprotive. My manager was fine when I told her I was having surgery. She actually never asked what kind, guess she feels I'd tell her if I wanted her to know. I had no porblems getting my LOA approved from work. I will be out 6 weeks.

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

The hospital stay was OK...I had a problem with one nurse and it was taken care of rigth away. My operation was on a Tuesday in the morning and I was home Friday by 10am. I found bringing magazines and CD's helpful...and body powder too because it gets itchy under that binder! Also, I brought tongs...I know it may sound crazy but I wasn't able (and mmost people aren't) to clean myself very well immediately post-op after using the restroom...I would wrap toilet paper or baby wipes around the tongs....and there you go! MUCH better than having to ask someone to help you in that department!!

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

I had no complications from the surgery at all. I did develop a urinary track infection from the Foley catheter....but that's it.

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 had to wait about 4 months from the time I got my date until the actual surgery. I just kept busy and tried very hard not to think about it. I'm a nurse and I work A LOT so that helped. I also have a 5 year old who keeps me busy at home. I really didn't feel any anxiety, I just wanted my date HERE RIGHT NOW!

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

I am almost 9 weeks post-op right now, and I feel AMAZING! I can remember not feeling too great during those first few days home...I slept in a recliner, didn't feel like eating or drinking or doing anything "normal". But after a few days, things were better. And everyday does get better...I felt more and more normal as each day passed. In the beginning when I was eating pureed foods, I just HATED IT! And it just wasn't the fact that I was eating mush---I realized later that I was trying to find other ways of dealing with emotions other than food, which is not an easy thing to do. But it does get better.

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

I didn't travel very far at all.

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.

For the first 4 weeks, I ate pureed foods...the consistancy of applesauce. I ate a lot of soups...probably because soup tasted the most like "normal", even if it had to be pureed. Plus, I drank 2 meal replacements every day too for the calories and protein. The goal is 1000 calories, and 40 grams of protein. PLUS 64 ounces of fluid too! You're always eating or drinking! After that, I ate "soft" foods for 2 weeks...things like eggs, cheese, caseroles...we were even allowed to eat salad at this point. And since 6 weeks post-op, I'm on a regular diet. I eat a lot of chicken breast, tuna, shrimp, salad, hummus, eggs...I didn't eat red meat or pork prior to surgery and I still don't. Most people can tolerate those types of meats too. I always eat my protein first, then worry about vegetables and stuff like that when my protein portion of the meal is in. I have not (and will not) try sugar...the natural sugars don't bother me. I can drink milk, and I eat fresh fruit. I feel very lucky because I have been able to tolerate eating quite well. I just try to remember to eat very slowly and take small bites. I still struggle to get my fluids in, especially since I've gone back to work.

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

I was up and on the go even in the hospital before I came home. I was walking the halls as soon as they gave me the "GO AHEAD". I started walking everyday at one week post op for 10 minutes a day...then twice a day...then for longer intervals. Now, at 9 weeks post op, I work out at the gym 3-4 times a week, work 48 hours a week and still keep up with my 5 year old son! I have more energy now than I've had in a long time.

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

I started with 2 children's chewable multivitamins daily until 6 weeks post-op. Then I switched to a regular ONE-A-DAY multivitamin daily, plus iron, calcium, and vit. B12. I am usually pretty good about taking them...the only time I run into problems is if I work a double at work...then my schedule gets all messed up.

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 haven't had really any problems at all with the normal side effects. I am starting to lose a little more hair right now, but nothing that is noticable. I just notice it in the shower. I've added one protein shake daily to try and help with the hair loss.

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

I can honestly say that the WAITING for the surgery was by far the worst part of this whole process. I would do it all over again in a SECOND--without a hesitation. I'm 28 years old and I feel I've gotten my life back. I'm better at work, I'm better at home...I'm a better mom, and wife...and I think it's because I'm happy with myself again.

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

I feel the aftercare program at the Cleveland Center for Bariatrics is wonderful. There are many area support groups that meet monthly, which I feel had been so helpful for me. I went to a few as a pre-op and I continue to do so when I can. The Center is only a phone call away and the staff is very helpful and informative. My surgeon called me a week after I got home to see how I was feeling. I went to a 3 week check up and the next one is at 6 months post-op.

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

My scar is actually a lot better than I thought it was going to be. It goes from the bottom of my breast bone to about 1/2 inch above my belly button. But it's only about 1/8 of an inch thick, execpt at the very top...it's about 1/4 of an inch thick. It's like a pink pencil line, I am very happy with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I can't say that I've had any plateaus yet...I'm only 9 weeks post-op. However, I only weigh myself once a month...so it may be hard to tell if I'm having short plateaus here and there.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

As much as I hate to admit it, yes...people are treating me differently. I feel I get more respect at work and I don't feel as uncomfortable going into public places anymore. But this may also be because I feel better about myself, and people sense that and therefore respond accordingly.