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

A neighbor lady who lived across the street from us growing up had the surgery years ago. I thought it was terribly dangerous and maintained that thought for years. I don't remember how I finally began considering surgery. But my initial impression was "NO WAY!"

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 stressful as the Dr's ofc. said they had submitted the papers, and the insurance co. kept saying they hadn't rec'd anything. What I did was get a full copy of my med dr's. file on me, and send it to the bariatric dr. and also to the ins. co. The caseworker said I had the largest file she had ever seen! Because I am a Christian, I prayed and asked God to get me the right caseworker, if the one I had wasn't going to approve the surgery. The next day I called my case worker, and guess what? She wasn't on my case any more-as of the day before! The new case worker and I talked for about 45 min. about life, and when I told her I'd better let her get back to work, she said she had been working and I was approved! Jesus is so good! So, my advice is to keep sending in the paperwork, and DON'T wait the recommended time. Call and keep calling after you know the paperwork has been rec'd. I know I annoyed the Dr's ofc. but it is my life we're talking about here.

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

I had to fill in paperwork ahead of time. The first visit was a group visit and then a private short visit. It really went too fast, but that is the nature of my surgeon-he is very fast. Be prepared, read up on anything you can find re: the surgery and write your questions down in advance. Also, listen to the answers given to the others' questions-you will not have to repeat them that way.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After much prayer, and my husband bringing it up without knowing that I was already doing research, and having tried everything for years with no success, as well as being in mid-life, I believed it could only get better with the surgery, not worse.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Honestly, I would have taken more time to decide this one. I went with the one my surgeon was most comfortable with, but had I had more info. I think I would have changed the procedure.

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?

There were many fears-not really about complications, but about dying from the surgery. We took every precaution-even had the filter put in to block blood clots, but even then, things happen. Yet, knowing Christ, I knew I would with Him after death. I was most concerned about my daughter. I also felt like I had put my life on hold for so long, waiting to be "thin" that even if I had died, I would have died trying to do something to improve my life. We have NO guarantees. As a matter of fact, I did have complications and came very close to death-unknowingly at the time. It was my precious husband who was very concerned and made me go to the emergency room that saved me.

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?

Most were very supportive. I didn't tell some of my family and friends until the date was close, and some didn't know until after. I don't think I would have done anything differently. They were all very supportive-one voiced the normal fears and questions, but they were wonderful after the surgery.

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

I am a "stay-at-home" mom who tutors students in their homes. So, this wasn't difficult for me. I was out of work for three months.

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

The hospital was great! The nurses were excellent, as were the aids. I was in the hospital for 6 days the first time. Bring your own good lotion, brush, toothbrush, and socks.

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

After being home for about five days, (and feeling pretty good)I became very nauseous. I could not eat or drink anything, was extremely tired, and just wanted to sleep. Consequently, I became very dehydrated, which is why I ended up back in the hospital. I was in for another week, and had dry heaves constantly. Of course they gave me meds while they looked for a reason-the drs' couldn't find one. It took three days of IV's before I even had to go to the bathroom, which tells you the seriousness of the situation. Also, due to the nausea and heaving, part of my incision opened back up, and as a result, I have about 6 inches of scarring that is much wider than the rest.

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 was excited,nervous, and somewhat scared. I coped by talking to others that had had the surgery, praying with my husband, and talking (alot) to God.

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

I felt pretty good the first week and then became very sick. After I was out of the hospital for the second time, it took quite some time to begin to feel anywhere near normal. In fact, now, after 5 months, I have to say it has only been in the past few weeks that I am feeling like a human being again. I went to the Dr. after 3 months to find out why I was just so exhausted, and most of all, was that normal? He wanted to run all tests again, and I just refused (in my mind) He did say that he thought I was expecting too much out of myself and it took time to adjust to the pouch and get energy back. I wished I had known that going in-would have been much easier.

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

I only had to go about 23 miles.

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.

Every surgeon is different, mine wanted my to eat only soup for the first two weeks, and then soft foods (eggs, jello, tuna, chicken-ground) He never wants his patients to food process, he wants them to learn to chew, so that is what I did. The requirements are 3-2oz meals per day of pure protein, and two protein shakes. My mind and body were quite sensitive to food. Things I could eat before, I couldn't stand after! I have more of a variety now. I eat beef (but NOT steak), brisket, chicken,cheese, peanut butter, lots of crystal light-watered WAY down! And I have found a sugar free yogurt which is low carb. That is my treat for the day. Sugar is most definitely off limits. I had a cookie and had a terrible stomach ache and diarrhea after that. Learned my lesson. Plus, sugar doesn't taste good any more! Who would have thought?

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

My activity level was almost zero following the surgery. One cannot imagine how much pain there is to fight through unless one has had the surgery. But the Dr. wouldn't let me leave the hospital until I could walk the halls. So, I forced myself. Once I was home, I have to say, I didn't feel well enough to do any walking. I did get a treadmill and start walking but it was weeks after the Dr. said I should. Everyone's body is different and I am learning to respect what my body is telling me. Now that I am walking (not every day) I do feel so much better.

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

Two multi-vitamins per day. I also take a "hair nutrient" vitamin, along with a vit. B suppl.

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 nausea for real! It took several weeks for it to go away 100%. Dumping doesn't happen if you eat the right things and eat slowly enough(take 30 min. to eat a meal) I still have major hair loss and that is emotionally hard for me. I am still looking for a way to stop the hair loss.

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

The pain for the first few days was almost unbearable, and that was with having a button to push for painkillers! Also, I felt as if my surgeon could have taken more time with me afterwards. I felt pretty put off by him.

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

I try to go to the hospital's support program once a month. I wish there was a support group where we all could just talk and share weekly.

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

As I mentioned, the heaving caused my incision to open up about 6 inches and is much wider than the rest of my scar. I can live with it-the benefits of losing weight are much greater than having a scar! Besides, I don't think I will ever want to wear a bikini!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had about three plateaus since surgery. I don't worry about them, I know my body is just adjusting to the weight loss and the weight will continue to come off. One plateau lasted about a month! But then I dropped 8 lbs. in a few days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, my friends are good friends and love me whatever size I am. I am getting ready to go on vacation and see people that haven't seen me since way before the surgery-so we'll see.