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

I happen to be looking a Pittsburgh City Paper and the ads in the back. I saw a seminar for weight loss/control. I called, but they were booked up, so I had them send me all the information about it. I couldn't believe I had never heard of this before. Maybe I wasn't supposed to--maybe I had to go thru the other diets before I was ready to look into this one. I couldn't wait to talk with someone about it.

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

I truly didn't have a problem. I looked at it as a medical necessity; my dad passed away from a heart attack when he was 63 (I was 15), and my mom has fluid around the heart. I knew if I didn't do something I may not live long. Luckily, the insurance company thought so too.

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

I took a friend with me to be a second set of eyes/ears. I took notes and wrote down questions I had before I met with him. And because he took his time with me and didn't seem rushed, I felt quite comfortable about the meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I needed to do something, and I was tired of being obese and not living my life like I wanted to.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The doctor discussed they did the gastric bypass, not banding, and it would depend on when I was in surgery whether they could do it lap or not.

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?

All surgeries can result in death, but I saw this as my attempt to control my weight and get on the track of good health, now and in the future. I truly felt if I didn't do this, I was basically killing myself with food. I didn't have fears of complications...I felt I chose the right doctor.

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 chose to tell only a few family members and a few trustworthy friends. I didn't want people to judge me and say, "Oh, this is another attempt at losing weight". My husband was very worried about the surgery, but he has seen what a change it has made in me and is very happy I went through with it. What I have learned is and will tell people when the time is right that this is a tool to use in effort to lose weight; I need to eat right and exercise, just like anyone else losing weight. My family was supportive as were my friends.

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

The nurses were great and very nice to me. Other than waking me up throughout the night to get my stats :)) I was in for two days. Because I had a catheter for most of the time, I didn't need my usual pj's, just the hospital gown. I did use my robe and slippers for walking in the hallway. Be sure to let them know what meds you take if any so they can give it to you in liquid form.

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

I had two infections. The first was from the drainage tube; I was only the second person to have that infection. The second was fluid below my left lung. It really hurt to breathe; it almost brought me to my knees. I had to breathe deeply to move the fluid, plus antibiotics for both infections were used. After approximately 2 1/2 weeks, I was fine.

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 felt tired, and didn't push myself. I did walk just a little each day in my cul-de-sac to prevent "cabin fever" and get moving. It hurt to get up and down from a chair and in and out of bed for about three weeks. I really thought that might never go away, but thankfully it does.

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

You should expect to be tired, this was a major surgery afterall. It was difficult to get up and down, this is normal and it will go away. Drink as much fluids as you possibly can; especially Gatorade and I also had broth.

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

I live about 1 hour from Pittsburgh. It hasn't affected my aftercare at all. I attend a support group in Pittsburgh with Dr. Schauer's patients once a month too.

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.

Could eat: poached eggs/soft foods such as mashed potatoes/baked potatoes/salads/steak/fish/cottage cheese/soups/jello Couldn't eat: bread, unless it's toasted./rice--these both are lumpy in the stomach and the need to throw up is enevitable. I started off on soft foods: baby food/mashed potatoes/poached eggs. I used a baby spoon for a long time to get used to a smaller portion to eat at one time. After a few weeks, I got a baked potato when I went out or soup. Then after about 8 weeks, I tried fish/and still ate soft foods including oatmeal. About 3 months post op, I at steak and salads and chicken. At present I am having a hard time with poultry; my stomach can't handle it. I have been told that this will pass.

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

Walked around my cul-de-sac the days after I got home. Then after my post op visit, about 10 days, I started walking around the neighborhood. I have built up to 3 miles/day.

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

I do take a protein bar everyday in order to get all the protein in each day. I also take iron/B-12/calcium (tums)/Vit. C/and Flinstone Chewables multivitamin.

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?

hair loss and vomiting. The hair loss started about 3 months after surgery. I am 6 months out, and have noticed the hair loss decreasing. Vomiting still exists only when I eat too fast or too much. It's a learning process.

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

The stuff I had to take prior to surgery to clean my system out...I am serious!

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

Dr. Schauer's group has a support program which meets the first Wednesday of each month. We have a speaker/question and answer on alternating months. It's of great importance to attend these because I feel I learn from other patients and the doctor and nurse are there to help us. I also have good support from family and friends.

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

I have 5 incisions and 1 from the drainage tube. The longest one is about 1/2 inch long. I didn't know what to expect, but I have no problem with them.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau over Christmas for about two weeks and didn't think I lost much, but to my dismay, I lost 15 lbs. since the end of November. I will probably experience more platueas as I near my goal weight.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice I don't get the stares I use to get, and that's a damn shame that people judge us like that, but it is true. It's like I'm a "normal" person now, whatever that is. My close friends treat me the same, it's just the people who don't know me.