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

I first learned of bariatric surgery as a professional in obesity. I have a PhD in nutritional sciences and am federal employee who is considered an obesity expert. My initial impressions is that it was drastic.

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

Quick and to the point. A brief consultation followed by a group meeting with other candidates (approx. 8) to answer questions and concerns.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew it was my only hope for a future with my children and the only possibility I was ever going to respect myself.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Didn't have a choice. My insurance, Kaiser Permanente, only covers one procedure, the open Roun-Y.

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 was fearful...it is strange. I figured I was healthy except for my weight and I knew (somehow) my body could do this.

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 and friends were better than I expected. A few balked, but when I told them I was doing it and they saw/heard my conviction they came on board directly. It has been an amazing process to learn how much they each care about me. A celebration actually!

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 for 5 weeks. My employer and colleagues were unbelievably supportive. They were considerate, understanding and accommodating. Actually, this is a gift they have given me. I don't think they realize what a treasure it is.

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

My stay in the hospital was relatively pleasant given the circumstances. The staff were professional, considerate and very supportive. I had an open Roun-Y on a Wednesday morning, was in my private room by 4:30 p.m., and left the hospital at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. My room was equipped with a bariatic bed which lifts you to a standing position, an epidural for excellent pain blockage, and leg wrappings for improved circulation. One thing no one mentioned is you need to have someone (family, friend) with you 24 hours a day in the hospital. Even though the staff were attentive, I was gratful to have help to the bathroom, taking walks, keeping track of everything like remembering questions that came up. My mom stayed with my during the day and I had friends stay with my through the night.

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

None.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Excited, relieved, and anxious. I shared my feelings with my family, friends, and colleagues. Everyone was considerate and supportive. They were happy for me.

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

Expect to be tried, bored, and self-centered. Moms - Make sure children are taken care of so you can focus on yourself! Just doing routine tasks was major. I limited visits to just a few very close friends for chats in the afternoon. All others I spoke to by phone on my schedule. Everyone so wanted to see me that my caregiver (my mom) was the gate keeper. One suggestion that was very important was we arranged for my close friends to sit with me in the afternoon so my mom (primary caregiver) got a break. This intense period of rest lasted about 2.5 weeks. After that I was more independent, but needed rests/quiet in the afternoon for another 2 weeks. The fifth week I could have gone to work, but I stayed home just to ensure my continued improvement. I was at work full-time at 6 weeks.

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

I traveled 12 miles. No impact on aftercare.

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.

Eating wasn't that big of a deal since you just aren't hungry for about 2 weeks. Simple items like yogurt, skim milk, mashed potatoes and grits for meals and sugar-free popcycles for a change of favor and texture. Next in wk 3 & 4 I added cream soups, scrambled eggs, V-8 juice, fruit/yogurt smoothies, and baked potatoes. In week 5, I added cooked vegetables, chili with beans, and fruit. And finally toward the end of week 5 I tried tuna, chicken, and baked fish. Something around week 6 I tried some pasta and rice. At this point (9 weeks post-op), I can eat almost anything. Actually, I am enjoying the tastes of food more than before surgery. I crave strong, clean flavors like sushi, salads with corn, peas, and beets mixed in, soups with spice, etc. I do have difficulty (I throw up) with dry foods such as grilled salmon or baked chicken if it doesn't have something moisture to eat along side it. More importantly, it is becoming more nature to chew extensively and eat slowly which is key!

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

I initially started by walking around my house and daily took some laps around my cal-de-sac. Then at about 4 weeks post-op I started swimming laps. At 5 weeks I was/am swimming 5+ times a week for 30 minutes.

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

I take 2 chewable Flintstone vitamin/mineral supplements and 2 Tums for calcium every day. Once a month I give myself a B12 injection.

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 have experience little to no side effects. If a eat something that is high in fat (usually a soup or sauce at a restuarant) I feel nausia for about 30 minutes. This is usually followed by diarrhea. The 2 times I have vomited is upon eating dry salmon and baked chicken. I believe I ate them too fast and didn't chew them well enough so they got "stuck". I have not experienced any sleep disturbances, dumping, or hair loss.

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

Interesting question...I am not sure yet. I haven't had any major set backs or frustrations. My surgeon prepared me well.

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

I am not participating in an active support group. My friends and family have been supportive and my confidants. But more importantly I have become close friends with another surgery patient and she and I keep tabs on each other every few weeks. We call and chat about our food choices, my frustrations with plateaus, reactions from family and friends, etc. I believe I will need something more formal after another 6 months or so. When my weight loss isn't so dramatic.

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

My scar is long and wide. I had an open procedure so it is very obvious. I won't be wearing any very revealing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced regular plateau since 2 months post-op. The plateaus last about 2 weeks and then I drop about 6 pounds quickly. It doesn't appear to be related to any change in food consumption pattern or exercise. It appears it is just the way my body loses weight...frustrating as it is.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, they are more respectful and approving.