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

I had heard about people like Carnie Wilson having it, but that was just for "celebs". Then as my health continued to plummet, my orthopaedic surgeon suggested it, as well as family memebers.

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

DON'T GIVE UP! My PCP sent a letter when we heard I had been denied. Get someone on your side to write a "good" letter for you.

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

My surgeon was awesome. He got me in quickly. I had a few health issues that had to be cleared up when the surgery could be perfomed, and they didn't stall at all taking me when the time was right. Go with a mindset of "I'm going to do this JUST LIKE THIS DOCTOR says" and you will be doing great! But read and know from support groups and post-opers. I think it will take away any fears.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had no other choice. My health was going down hill quickly and I wanted to LIVE.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The open RNY is what my doctor did - therefore, that's what I had. I had read enough to know that this particular procedure had a great success rate and after talking to some of his patients, I knew this was the way I needed to go.

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 had NO FEAR! Seriously. I had fear of NOT having the surgery. My blood pressure was fantastic the day of the surgery. I slept great the night before and KNEW everything would be okay. If you are truly Fearing the surgery, perhaps it is NOT for you. It is a major decision. One that cannot quickly be reversed. It's a big step and KNOW you will change MOST everything in your life.

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 was very supportive. They knew my life was not much fun and that my health was deteriorating. I had lost most all joy of my life by not being able to participate in activities. My family is still very supportive. My 20 yr old daughter is awesome, cheering me on all the way. My 18 yr old son, who doesn't talk about the WLS at all, has even commented on certain outfits I wear and how remarkable I look. My husband says he loves me either way - and that is true!

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

I was out of work. Not able to work. My kids took up the slack of any housework, but they had been doing it for over a year anyway. my husband actually pitched in a little as well.

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

Actually, my hospital stay was quite pleasant. I had very attentive nurses, etc. I had an RN - Eric - who was awesome. He knew exactly what Dr. Birkitt wanted me to be doing and when. He was such a big help. You MUST bring chap stick, slippers and a robe. Of course you need your toiletries - deodrant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, etc.,a wooden spoon - if you already have trouble wiping yourself. Wrap some toilet tissue around the ladle part and go for it.

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

I had NO complications. I ran a slight temp the night of the surgery, but that seems to be normal.

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 read more about the surgery and talked online to the people in our support group. You really need to get involved in a support group BEFORE the surgery. Then you have people who will be there for you.

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

Of course you are going to be sore. That is a no-brainer! BUT, you don't need anyone there to cook for you, etc. - maybe your family, but not you. Basically, you will be drinking protein drinks - and one can will last most of the day, at first. Some sugar free jellos, puddings, and ice creams. You can't vaccuum for a couple of weeks, but you could wash dishes and supervise others who might want to help. You can wear your pajamas most of the time, so there shouldn't be much laundry for you.

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

Just 15 miles. Take a pillow for the ride home. Even the shortest ride can wear you out. Curves and bumps are uncomfortable. Hold the pillow really close over your incision (I had open) and you will do fine.

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.

At first, of course, it's just liquid, like the sf jellos, puddings, etc. Then you have to increase especially your protein drinks. This is MOST important. I couldn't do pureed foods or babyfood, so I stayed on liquid for six weeks. That also included white, fleshy fish, eggs and cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt. After that, I went for baked chicken and turkey. Not any crust or outside parts. I tried salad about 3 months out, but became nauseated and got a little diarhhea. It was about 6 months before I could actually DO a salad and enjoy it. Raw veggies just take a little longer. Now I love to eat a chef's salad. I put eggs, ham, turkey and lots of cheese in it. That way I am getting my protein, as well as the veggies. I love it!

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

I didn't drink much just so I wouldn't have to go to the potty. My legs ached so bad. I am not kidding you - the day after the surgery I was up walking and moving like I had NOT just had surgery. I told the nurse that I didn't want to walk too far in one direction because I was afraid I couldn't make it back. He said, "You can turn around anytime. You've already walked further than most post-opers on their first try." Just take it slow and easy, but move. Don't lift and stretch, but walk, walk, walk.

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

Originally, I was taking Flinstone chewables and TUMS, during the "crushed" period. Then I started on Juice Plus, a program with fruit capsules and veggie capsules. I take 2 fruit and 2 veggies each day. I also was taking 4 Viactiv chews, but just recently learned that we WLS patients really need Calcium Citrate in order to absorb any of the calcium. So now I am taking Citracal +Magnesium. I have had trouble with anemia since before the surgery. I am taking Ferrous Fumerate daily now. I had been on Ferrous Sulfate, but continued to have a reading of 10, and needed a minimum level of 15. I hope this makes a difference for me.

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 slept in my recliner for a few nights, maybe a week. It was very comfortable. I would nap throughout the day, so it was less disturbing for my husband to be in the den anyway. I have not vomited since the surgery. I am not using my c-pap for sleep apnea any longer either. I have only been nauseated if I eat too much grease. It wasn't long after I got on regular food that I stopped at McDonalds and got eggs for breakfast. UGH! They look like eggs and tasted like eggs, but it my stomach, they felt like LEAD! Try not to eat out for as long as you can. Many months. Dumping - well, I guess I have a time or two. Mostly if I have something like a hotdog or pasta. Be sure to make sure you have more proteins than carbs. Very important. I just felt a little light headed and wanted to lay down. It passed in an hour or so.

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

Taking the crushed pills - with no doubt! GAG!!!!! I was taking Wellbutrin and Prozac and they have to be the most bitter pills. BUT, you must crush them. I tried adding them to applesauce, etc., but it just ruined the taste of the food. I just sucked it up and swallowed with water. Brrrrrrrr! Just thinking about it gives me chills!

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

I attend two support groups and also an online support group. It is great to participate and learn from post-opers. After WLS, you need to be there to support other pre-opers. They need you and it inspires you to keep going.

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

+++++++++++++ That's it! One scar from just below my breast bone to about an inch and a half above my belly button. Healed just wonderfully. Yep, I expected to have a scar!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateaus are horrible, but they will pass. When you reach a plateau, AND YOU WILL, just bulk up on the protein. Take an extra protein drink or bar. It will pass. Generally, they only last a few weeks. Don't give up, though, your body is just trying to figure out, "WHAT IS GOING ON!"

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES. Fat people are not tolerated very easily. Some of the same people that have given me "ugly" looks in the past, are now, just so anxious to "serve" me. I'm not sure they recognize me.