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

I saw a surgilite commerical on tv about 4 years ago. I knew then i wanted this surgery, but my insurance would not pay for it then. My nieces had it 3 years ago and went from a size 24 to a size 2. She is a new person.

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

Since my insurance company only took 4 weeks to approve me i had a very good experience. Although, i must say that those were the longest 4 weeks. haha

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

My first visit was very informative. You go for a free 4 hour session and you learn everything you need to know about the pre-op, surgery, and post-op. It was wonderful, and made me confirm i do want the surgery. At the end of the session you meet with the Dr. to ask any question you may have.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My weight up and energy level down. Also, I am 42 years old and have been on high blood pressure medicine for 4 years. Kidney disease runs in my family, and I dont what to be a part of that statistic.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

If I am going to do something this dramatic, i might as well go all the way. I am not interested in losing a few pounds, and have them come back. My niece had the open RNY, and has had no problems.

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 have put myself in God's hands. Our day is picked, and if March 20 is my day, then i will either die on the table or someplace else.

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 is totally behind me. I guess since my niece had the surgery they know what to expect. My husband said if it will make me happy it is fine. He has decided to lose weight with a liquid diet. He says the surgery way is definitely not for him.

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

My supervisor is happy for me. I am going to be out for 6 weeks. I cant say the same about my friends. They think this surgery is way to drastic. They still dont believe i am going to have it. I cant wait till i get back to work and show them my scar. They are going to freak. From what i understand, some of the doctors i work with think that the doctor that did this surgery to me should be sued. They just dont understand the life i have lived, and i just want to make it better for ME. I am the clown at work, and keep everyone laughing, but I am crying underneath. I needed help, and I got it.

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. My stay was wonderful. The staff at Gulf Coast Medical Center was very sensitive, and attentive to my needs. I would go back. The most important things to bring to the hospital is very little. I used their gowns, and a robe to go home. Chap stick is a must, your toilet supplies, and hair brush. Other than that, nothing, you spend all your time sleeping, sitting in the chair, and walking.

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

The only complication from my surgery was that after they took out the foley catheter I couldnt pee on my own. They in and out catheterized me twice, and then i was fine. It was no big bother because it wasnt like i felt like i needed to go to the bathroom anyway. I did have headaches due to caffeine withdrawal, so you might want to start cutting back on that before surgery. Of course, i would probably do it the same way, because the drugs from the surgery took care of the headache. haha

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 was so excited after I got my surgery date. Althought i thought those weeks would drag by, they flew. I spent alot of time trying to eat anything that i thought i might crave after the surgery. By the time my day came i was so sick of eating I was more than ready.

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

I have to say this surgery isnt anywhere near as bad as i thought it would be. My first week home was alright. You have a hard time getting up and down. I think the biggest problem i had was trying to get liquids in. You always feel full, so it is hard to drink. I was very lucky because i had my husband and mother here with me. The two of them made it so much easier. You need to focus on taking it easy, and letting your body heal. It is hard to watch people do all the work around you, but it is important to let them. that is why they are there.

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

I had to travel 60 miles for the surgery. It doesnt affect my care because it is mostly highway miles. In fact, i slept the whole way home.

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 2 weeks post-op. I am on a full liquid diet and doing great. If it is liquid i can drink it. I am having a hard time getting all the liquid in that they want. Dr. Rose says it will take time to stretch the stomach. I will start on pureed foods this coming tuesday, april 4.

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

The days after surgery are spent sitting, and moving to another place to sit. You dont do a heck of alot. After about a week i tried walking for ten minutes on the treadmill. It made me feel good, but I guess the bouncing of my stomach just made it ache afterwards. I stopped after about 2 days. I will try to restart on Tuesday, it will be 2 weeks post-op and maybe i will do better. Today, 4/1 I had my family over and barbecued for them. Had no problems. It was a great day.

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

I am taking 2 flinstone vitamins, chewable, at night. I am also trying to drink 3 protein drinks a day. They want me to get in 55 gms. of protein. This is where i am having my problem. I am just not hungry to keep sipping on that heavy drink. I also was given Prevacid for 2 months to prevent ulcers.

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?

Only side effects i have had so far was trying to get comfortable in bed to sleep. Your back gets tired, and it is hard to get comfortable on your side, for the first week and half. Now, i have no problems sleeping. This surgery was the best thing i could have done in my life.

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

Readjusting to eating food. Knowing how much, when, and what to eat without getting sick.

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

Their is a group of post op's where i had my surgery that meet once a month. I did go to the first meeting, and felt it was a waste of my time. I am going to give it another chance.

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

My scar is from the breastbone to the naval. Yes it is what i expected. I am using Vit. E on it, and it is healing nicely. I still have my staples, which will come out next Thursday.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Around 3 1/2 weeks post op i hit my first plateau. It lasted about 1 1/2 weeks. it is very discouraging, but i was told that this is a time your body is trying to adjust to the new weight before you take off any more. I am back dropping weight again, yessssss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

All of my family is so excited for me for having this surgery. Although i have only lost 20 pounds, i feel so much better about myself.