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

I heard about bariatric surgery because I work in a hospital where the procedure is performed. The surgeon gave a free seminar about the surgery and I attended. This was about 5-6 years ago. Unfortunately, the surgeon retired and I did not like his replacement so the surgery was put on hold for a while.

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

Once I got everything to the Cigna, I had an answer in 2 days that I was approved. But it took three weeks for them to let me know anything except that nothing had been received. I suggest that you call the insurance company yourself to check on the status and not rely on someone else to do it for you. Be proactive, take the initiative and speak up for yourself.

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

This meeting was good. I all ready had insurance approval and all of the required testing done, so when I had my consult he explained the surgery and what to expect. The only tests I needed to get was a preop chest x-ray, EKG, and blood work. You need to go in to the consult with an open mind and really listen to what the surgeon has to say. I wanted a laparoscopic procedure, but could not due to prior surgeries/scarring. All of this was explained to my satisifaction.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery when my PCP told me I was insulin resistant. I knew this was the first step in developing Type II DM which I did not want to go there.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon decided this for me after discussing my history and comorbidities with me and I agreed with his assessment.

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 did not have any fears. I knew this was the right thing to do and trusted my surgeon totally. The right frame of mind can do wonders for recovery and how well you will do and how bad you want something is a great motivator.

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 has been very supportive. My husband is also having the surgery and my daughter in law is in the process of now getting insurance approval for surgery also. I could not have made it without great wonderful family support.

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

I only told 2 people at work. My immediate supervisor so I could have the required time off and one other person who was going to be covering for me. They both were very supportive. I am still off work at the time of this writing (am 2 weeks post-op) , but have been told by my surgeon it will be 6-8 weeks.

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 5 days. I was sent to the CCU after recovery and was there for 24 hrs, then moved to a room. I have had several other surgeries and this hospital stay was similar to all the others. I must say that the nurses did come fairly quickly when I needed them.

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

The only problem I had was not really a complication. I developed diarrhea on the 3-4th postop day. My surgeon believed it was from a medication I was receiving and discontinued it.

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

Once I had my consult (10-24-02) I received a surgery date the next day of 11-22-02. I was elated that it was finally going to happen. I did not have any anxiety as I knew this was the right thing to do and was ready for the day to arrive.

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

I came home the day before Thanksgiving. I feel sure it was probably harder on my family than on me. I was having some pain, but was able to work through that. You will need to have lots of help and support from family and friends as you will not be able to do much for yourself until you get some of your strength back.

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

Did not travel very far as I live in Smyrna TN and had the surgery in Nashville, TN.

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.

Since I am only 2 weeks post op as of this writing I am still on liquids. I have been told that I will no longer be able to eat anything containing sugar, fat, bananas, mashed potatoes, peanut butter or anything fried. I am OK with that and do not foresee any problems.

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

I am still on restricted activity. No bending, stretching, turning, twisting, or lifting. I am only 2 weeks post op and will see the surgeon next week and will hopefully get to drive then.

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

I will be on vitamins and calcium for the rest of my life as well as B12 shots. The B12 shots have not started yet though.

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?

Since I am 2 weeks post op I have not had any side effects yet. I have been following my surgeons instructions faithfully and do not expect any side effects. If they develop I will deal with them.

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

The worst part was trying to find a surgeon. I got insurance approval in August and did not find a surgeon until October.

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

I have not found one yet.

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

Very long about 8". Very sraight. Did not have any expectations as to what to expect.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

None yet.