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

I found out about bariatric surgery about 10 years ago. I thought it was a drastic measure and that people would think I was crazy. I then lost allot of weight, for the 5th time in my life, and no longer needed it. About 5 years later I gained my weight and more back, for the 6th time in my life. I became very depressed and continued to gain, my health was going down hill, I was going to die if I did not do something. I could not loose the weight no matter what I tried, and I tried it all. A friend at work had the surgery and I was impressed at how much he had lost. I talked with him and was seriously thinking about having it. I got online and looked up everything I could about any type of WLS. I called and asked for documentation from everyone of them. I researched this for two years. I found more and more people that had the same and simular surgeries. Only regrets anyone had was that they did not do it 10 years earlier. I still thought it was a drastic step and that everyone would think I was crazy. Today I feel it was a drastic step, my situation required that. Many people think I was crazy, that is o.k., they are allowed to have their opinion. If you have never been overweight, you do not understand. I am healthy, thin, look great, feel great, and always have been crazy.

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

I suggest you have your Primary Care Physician contact the insurance company and get them to approve you go out of network. Then get all the referals you need to avoid financial cost for you. Go to every doctor you remember seeing for whatever reason and get your files. Even if you did not see a particular doctor for weight problems, you may be able to show how your weight fluctuated through the years. Doctor offices almost always take your weight and blood preasure when you go into the office and they record it. Stay ontop of them when you submit the information. Who cares if they get mad. A squeeky wheel gets the oil.

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

Write down every question and concern you have. Take every and any family member you want. If they push your off, you do not want them. Mine was very patient and understanding, he answered every question, even drew pictures. If you forget questions, call them and get the answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was concerned, being catholic, that I was rearanging something which God had put together. How could I say that it was not good enough for me. I then found out that a nun I knew had the surgery. I talked with her, she reminded me that God did not make me this way. Yes I was a big baby, but I kept making myself bigger ang bigger. God wanted me to be happy and enjoy life. And most of all, God created this surgery for people like me. I missed sharing my children's experience with new and exciting things. My son is only 7 and my daughter is 17, there is so much more ahead. I want to be alive to share it with them, I wanted to live again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After researching for 2 years, every bit of information pointed to this surgery being the most successful and the safest. It was also reversable.

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 knew I could die and was sure I would. I also knew I would die if I did not have it. My chances for living were better with the surgery. I told my family I would rather die on the table trying to make my life better, than die in my living room in front of my children.

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?

I told them that I did not expect their approval but was asking for their support. I had already made up my mind and would not convince them that it was the right decision for me. I would answer any questions but would not debate the subject with them. My sister attended a support meeting with me and felt 60 - 70% better when she left. My mother did not want me to have the surgery, but said that she would support me in whatever I decided. Both her and my daughter were there at the hospital the day of the surgery. I get constant support from all my family. Either there are words of encouragement, or nothing is said at all. That is fine with me. I know they see a change in me and they all appreciate it. I know they are glad that I did what I did.

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 6 weeks, I deserved it. My boss thought it was great. Everyone here has seen the weight that I have lost and the changes in me. I only told those that I was close to. Others have been told that I had surgery that affected my stomach and the things I could eat.

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

I was in the hospital for 3 days. It was fairly pleasant. The nurses were great and willing to do just about anything. I did not get my tongs right away and had to ask for them. The tongs assist you in cleaning yourself when you have a BM. It can be hard to reach that area without a 12 1/2 inch incision, let alone with one. I learned real quick what an M&M was and found out I did not want one. (M&M is Milk and Molasses enema) Although it is not painful, it is very messy. As for what to bring to the hospital. I suggest anything that will make you feel more comfortable. For me, I wish I had brought my shampoo and conditioner. I brought slippers, and a night gown but never used them. Also bring loose clothing and shoes you can easily slip on to wear home.

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

I did have a problem with my incision. It became infected, I also was alergic to the tincture of benzoine and the adhesive on the tape. We were not aware of this alergy originally. I called the hospital and they suggested I see my doctor. I did that and he gave me some medication, it worked great and all is well now.

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

The first two weeks were the hardest. I had a hard time emotionally giving up my friends (pizza, chocolate, etc.). Although I can eat those foods now, I hardly ever do, just do not have a desire for them. My daughter and I got into a big argument and then we began crying. I appologized to her and told her that things would get better if she would just bare with me for a few more weeks. Things are great now. I tried to find foods that I could eat that were treats to me. Chocolate sugar free pudding, mouse, jello and whip cream, no added sugar ice cream bars, grill cheese. Unfortunately I could not have these in the first week. My children were not allowed to eat those things that I craved in front of me. I felt terrible, but I made them go to their room. One time my daughter litterally turned her back to me while she ate. I think that was the roughest time. At two weeks I was doing good, not great, just good. At four weeks I was doing much better. By six weeks I was happy to be alive in many ways. I could eat whatever food I wanted, although my system did not necessarily agree with that, and it won on most things. I have gotten better though. But I was really alive, I was doing things I never thought of doing before and I felt great. Most of all I was really happy to be alive.

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

As I said, the first two weeks are the roughest. Get every type of soup you can, without the sugar of course. Get sugar free pudding, jello, and whip cream. Get your protein drink, powder milk, and bullion. Popcicles, fudgecicles, sugar free of course. Eat those things you like the best, do not deprive yourself, stay within the guide lines but eat whatever you like. You may not want to make your families dinners for them and you may want to eat in a seperate room all together. You will need to do allot of walking and drinking your water. Eat slowly, otherwise you will be full long before you stop eating, and that last bite may not stay down. Pay attention to your body and the signals it is sending, there is be a deffinate signal when it is full, listen to it. Use your baby spoon. Do not drink while you eat or for a half hour after you eat. This is the roughest part, it is all down hill from here.

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

I only had to go about 60 miles. We had to stop on the way back, and I did not want to run out there for just any reason. Also, because I could not drive in the first two weeks, I did not want to have to ask someone else to drive me. After that, I did not have a problem. I also work half way between home and the hospital. Now there is talk that they are going to move it closer to work, that will be great.

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 week was clear liquids, yum. The second and third week were full liquids, anything that would turn to liquid at room temperature. I was not allow to eat anything with more than two grams of sugar per serving (still not). I could not consume more than 14 grams of fat per serving either (still not). I drank my protein in week 2 and 3 to help satisfy me more. Week 4 and 5 were pureed food, anything smooth in texture. Now I had to make sure I got my 86 grams of protein. The blender and strainer were my friend. Week 6 was soft foods, this means nothing crunch. Week seven, anything that did not have more than 2 grams of sugar, or 14 grams of fat per serving. It took me awhile to handle red meat, I still have a problem with some of the cheaper cuts. Even juices that were pure were strong for me, I had to drink baby juice. I have a problem also with greasy things, lide some soups. But in general, I can eat just about anything.

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

The first two weeks I just pretty much just stayed in the house,in my pj's. I did attend our group meeting though, that was my way of getting out of the house. I was not quite two weeks when I attended that. I was doing a few things around the house, but not much. I pretty much fended for myself though. No house work. By week four I was going out grocery shopping. I leaned on the basket as I pushed it. The first couple of times it was hard, I would really start hurting before we were done. I learned that if I had someone else put the stuff in the basket, because I was not bending as much, I would last longer. As time went on it got easier. I was doing great by week 5 and even better by week 6. I am now almost 5 months out of surgery and doing things I never thought of doing before. I can stand and wash dishes without hurting. I can clean my house without pain. I can work in my yard without having to take a break every two minutes. I can go fly kites, go swimming, or just go for a walk with my kids. I hope to start riding a bike again, and maybe even play volley ball or catch. I would have never tried those things before.

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

I started out taking the bugs bunny sugar free vitamins they suggest. I have the protein drink which has other vitamins in it. I have recently found out, through the blood test they take, that I have an iron defeciency. I am now taking iron supplements. I also changed my vitamins to a store brand extra strength for women. I am not sure what type of difference if any that has made sine it has only been a week.

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?

My worst problem was with the nausia. I had the hardest time figuring out just how much I could eat at one time. I also would wait too long before I ate, for whatever reason, and I would eat too fast and end up way too full. This lasted until I realized what the problem was. Now I sense that full feeling and I stop. I also try to carry individually wrapped cheese sticks on me at all times. When I am not able to eat right away, I pull one out and eat it. It gives me just enough protein to hold me off for awhile. It does not happen as often now.

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

The thought of the surgery. The decision to have the surgery. The thought that you may die, but your quality of life, and your health were so bad that it did not matter. You know that your are somewhat dead now, and it is just time before the physical body gives up also. In short, the worst thing is that it had to come to this, and that this is the only answer.

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

I go to a BTC support group that is the best. We are a family and support each other to the end. We share phone numbers and email addresses. We share our pain, our joy, and our frustrations. Sometimes we can help, sometimes just listening is enough. I have learned so much from the group, it helps to keep me on track of what my goal is. It is also great to see people blossom, and come back to life. I also subscribe to another online support group - [email protected]. And I just joined this group. I have enjoyed both, and have made many new friends. The information I gather I pass on to others who are going through simular problems. It has been great.

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

My scar is a fairly thin line, that will fade in time. It was better than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am not loosing as quickly as I did originally. It gets a little frustrating. But I was told by a friend that had the surgery to take my measurements and check them again when I hit a plateau. She said usually you will find that you are still loosing inches. I have notice that she is right. I am still loosing, it is just not as fast. I have started steping up my exercising and watching my protein, fat, and water intake also to make sure I keep on track.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

My family has notice my activity level increase. I notice other people looking at me differently. But in general there is not a big change yet.