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

I have heard of this type of surgery for years. It has evolved over the years also. I paid most attention when Roseanne Barr and Carnie Wilson taked about their surgeries. It also seemed that anytime someone famous lost a lot of weight, bariatric surgery was why. I started researching around 3 years ago. At the point of my first research I had no way of paying for the surgery, and didn't think I ever would. My first impressions of the surgery were "WOW" I wish I could do that. When I found out it wasn't an easy surgery to get, I changed my view of the surgery as a bad thing...a way to cope, I'm sure I ate some food over this too! The more I heard about the surgery the more I wanted it.

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

I was very blessed in getting approval. My surgeons office wrote the letter after my consultation with them. I told them of all the diets, depression and health problems that existed, I'm sure they used that information in the letter. I also sought counselign on my own before surgery came about.

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

It was informative. Have questions ready be prepared to ask them. Be aware that from my experience the doctors aren't the talkative ones. But if you ask them the questions they will answer. The staff in these offices should be informative and helpful also. Remember that if you don't like what you see, hear, or feel, there are other doctors out there!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was deteriorating at a rapid pace and I'm only 35.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I consulted with a band surgeon and the RNY surgeon. I took what I got from both and applied it to what my issues were.

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 the fears that surgery was dangerous and I could die. I even made out a will just in case. I didn't think about backing out once it was scheduled but I was scared. I think being scared is normal. I knew that if I didn't do this surgery I was going to die soon, so either way, I'd be dead. I would rather die trying to live than to die slowly with no hope! Your fears are normal and valid, have them, discuss them with whom ever you use for support.

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 have not told every friend I have nor have I told co-workers. I have told people that are supportive. I also told the people who would have been hurt if I died and they didn't know I was even having surgery. I have had great support. The people I know whom I told that are also overweight, got a talk from me that consisted of my love for them and that in no way was my choice a reflection of distaste of their weight. I also don't want anyone to feel bad because I'm losing weight and they aren't. As obese people we know how it feels when someone else loses weight and we haven't! It doesn't feel good for them it feels terribel for us. I don't want anyone to feel that way because of me. I know that this surgery has the ability to change relationships. After surgery I have still been supported. I will say it is a little different because my friends and family are in totally different states than I am. I probably won't see them for awhile, so that will be something to write about much later. The folks I know where I am, have only known me for less than a year and so that is a different type of relationship. Partially this is still to be seen for me, as far as continued support after surgery.

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

Prior to surgery I was already on medical leave for other problems. (Much related to obesity) Because the company I work for has its home office in another state, the folks at my job where I'm at don't know what I have had done. This works for me, they weren't supportive while I was there so I don't want to include them in this information. For surgery I was given 6 weeks off for recovery.

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

I went into the hospital on a Monday, and left on Wednsday. My particular stay was not great. I had a nurse that yelled at me the night out of surgery for not remembering that I had a pain med button. I called her in to get pain meds, and she yelled at me. Then the same nurse tried give me meds that I knew I shouldn't be taking due to my surgeons instructions, she yelled at me for this to!(same night as surgery). The next day I asked for a popcicle and when I got it I asked if it was sugar free, the nurse told me to taste it and see! I had a popcicle the next day which was in a different wrapper. So, I had a popcicle with sugar at some point. I was also given grape juice, and something else with sugar. Luckily I was aware and spoke up, not that I should have had to do that. The commode they use is so small for obese people that is squeezed my legs together. Using this commode was very difficult. The second night of my stay I asked if I could please use another toilet. The nurse allowed me to use the bathroom for employees. That was nice, but later when I had to go again she told me I couldn't use that bathroom. (The same nurse that yelled at me the first night). When I asked should I just pee on myself she said yes. I tried but couldn't do that, I finally called her back in, and she was not happy that she had to help me onto the commode. Luckily, the nurse aide came back and helped me. I will say the nurses aides were soooo sweet.(exception to one guy on my first and second day). This hospital staff almost broke my glasses by not following some instructions I left before surgery. I loved the anesthesilogis he was absolutely great, and so were the folks who assisted in the surgery. Again, I would do this again in order to have the surgery! My doctor gave me a list of things to bring, really it was more than I needed. I was gigen everything I needed for hygeine. I never left out of the hospital gown that fit so I didn't need a robe. BUT if I went again I would take a robe just in case. It also depends on your length of stay.

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

My incision seemed to get a bit inflamed and stayed more tendor than I thought it should have after I was home. I called my doctor and described everything. I was given instructions followed those, but ended up getting an antibiotic just in case of infections. I am very unsure of these things since I've only had one other surgery that was not at all like this one. The only other complication I have had are self inflicted, such as, eating to fast and vomiting, drinking to fast and causing my chest to hurt.

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 home are very tough. I had no one hear to help, while that worked and is very do-able, if you have someone around I think it would be great. The first coupla weeks it is hard to not want to drink, and gulp like you might have done before hand. I was very thirsty and it seemed I couldn't drink water like I wanted. My doctor told me about sugar free popcicles. They are a life saver! Head hunger vs. real hunger is a trip to get used to and it almost drove me crazy at first. I also wondered why in the heck I did this surgery. I used SUPPORTIVE friends and family to talk to, the doctors office, and websites like this one in order to get questions answered. Soon, the anxiety subsides and learning new habits sets in! Change is scary, but necessary.

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

The first week is hellish, due to pain and thirst, and not being able to get comfortable. The second week is still painful but their is relief. This is when I started having the head hunger issues. I felt hungry all the time. (Part of that is you are on liquids that go straight through, so you are hungry). The third week is better and I started wanting more types of food. My food list did increase, but then the hard part was making sure to chew,,,,chew and chew some more. I was able to definately do some house work and take short walks by this time. I got tired pretty quick though.

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

I traveled approximately 15 miles round trip. It doesn't affect my 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.

I am only five weeks out now. The first two weeks after I was home was full liquids. Broths, jello, popcicles, etc. After the second week I was allowed to add Mac&cheese, mashed pot, soft veggies that would smash, bananas, soft spreadable cheee, cream of wheat and eggs. After my third week I could add lean ground beef/chicken/turkey, some rice, some noodles(need to be careful),protein drinks, iceberg lettuce, watermelon(sparingly),chili, tomatos. I am not eating high sugar/fat foods. I don't eat oranges, tangerines, or soda/pop. I have had a little bit problem eating some types of chicken.

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

Again, I'm only five weeks out. I have a back problem so walking has been tough. I try to make sure I do extra walking/housework. I make sure to take garbage out walk to the mailbox (both not close). I get out and go with friends to do things on the w/e that naturally include walking. I park further out at stores. I plan to start walking with someone at a park next week. After six weeks I plan to add weights and water aerobics. I really need to increase my activity level.

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

I take kids chewable multi-vitamins (2 a day), Calcium Citrate 500mg twice a day, B12 shots every two weeks. I want to start taking Bioxin to help with hair loss that is supposed to occur around 3 months out.

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?

Certain foods cause nausia (still testing what does/n't cause this). I vomit when I eat or dring to fast or don't chew food well enough (working on this as I write). Sleep disturbance comes from the sorenss of the incision. I haven't had anything to cause dumping. I do notice some things that are sugar free but still sweet make me a bit nausia. I haven't had hair loss yet.

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

So far, the first couple of weeks!

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

I have aftercare with my surgeons office. This is great and very helpful, but after 6 weeks, it goes down in the number of times you go in. I'm sure I can still call with all questions. I have visited another website and that has been helpful in support. That website has folks from my area that are getting together for face to face support. I know this is necessary and now I'm grateful I found this website also.

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

My scar is pretty small. The top part is still healing the middle part looks great, almost unoticable. It is about 5 inches long and very narrow. It is a lot smaller than I thought it would be. It is directly above my belly button and stops about 5 inches up from that.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Haven't had them yet, but I am trying to be mentally prepared.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet