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

I had know about WLS for years but it was not until Carnie Wilson's surgery that I started research on the subject and realized how far bariatric surgery had come over the years. My initial impression however was denial, one last diet and 9 months later I had WLS.

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

I had oodles of problems with my insurance company (Blue Shield HMO). HOwever, most of the problems were due to the IPA's (the medical groups). I finally had to appeal to my insurance company and was able to switch to the PPO plan and my surgery was then authorized within 24 hours. My advice is to be presistent. DO NOT GIVE UP! APPEAL if you have to. This is your life and you MUST be your own advovate.

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

My initial consult with my surgery was great but hectic. My surgeon has a 20 page questionaire that I had filled out about a week before my appointment. I saw other patients in the office struggling to fill theirs out. I also came with a list of question to ask my surgeon. I wore loose fitting clothes and slip on shoes.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Having this surgery was a BIG decision for me as this was my first surgery ever! I did all the research I could to make and informed decision. At 317 pounds and my health going down hill and the pounds going up, I felt that all my opitions had been exhausted. This surgery was my last hope to regain my life and my health back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Initially, I had decided to have the RNY. I started attending WLS support groups meetings. At one of these meetings I heard about the DS (DuodenalSwitch surgery) and everything cliched into place. DS was the surgery for me. I wanted to keep my stomach as natural as possible, I needed to loose a larger amount of weight and I did not want to experience the "Dumping Syndrome".

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?

As this was my first surgery, I had MAJOR fears about dying...but I also had major fears about slowly dying from all the weight I was carrying. I finally decided that I would rather die trying than allow my weight to consume me. Yes, people die from WLS (0.5%) but most make it through with flying colors.

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 and friends have all been extremely supportive. I shared a video of the surgery and my surgeon with them. I shared with them most of the research I had done. My family and friends have been of great help and support after my surgery as well.

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

My boss was initially supportive when I was pre-op but I have seen her develope an attitude towards me now that I am loosing weight. I just try and remind myself that I am changing for the best and not all will be as receptive as others. I was out of work for 6 weeks and enjoyed every moment.

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

My stay in the hospital was great. I had a very large private room with a beautiful view. During my 4 day stay, the nurses treated my like a queen. I felt very fortunate. The best items I brought with me were slip-on slippers, tongs and baby wipes, chap stick, a scrunchy (for my hair), baby powder, my phone calling card and a small fan.

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

I had no complications from the surgery.

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 pretty nervious and scared. I ended up buying two surgery cassette tapes (guided imaginery tapes) which helped me calm down and keep things in persceptive.

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

I tired very easily. I had to keep reminding myself that I had just had major surgery and that I needed to take it easy. I made sure that I kept my self hydrated and walked several times a day --short distances. Make sure you listen to your body!

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

My surgeon and hospital was about 30 miles from my home. Knowing this gave me a sense of security.

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.

Duodenal Switch Surgery - No meat, sugar or dairy the first month. I was on a vegartian diet and eat very little. After the first month, meat was introduce. The swelling in my stomach had gone down and I could eat a great deal more. I am now 2 months out and can eat almost everything (except for pork). However, I still avoid sugar as it hinders my weight loss.

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

The first week after surgery, my daily walks were very short. Down to the corner and back. Within the 2 and 3 week, my walks progressed quite well. After the first months, I was walking 45 mins a day.

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

Duodenal Switch surgery - I take one pre-natal vitamins and 1800 mg of calcium daily. I try and drink one serving of a protein shake a day.

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?

Sleeping was the worst! I actually purchased a recliner which has been my savor. I never slept through the night. After 3 weeks of sleeping in the recliner, I was finally able to sleep in my bed again. After the first month, I was sleeping much better.

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

Recovery from the surgery itself. Feeling tired and not being able to do things for my self (like lift things, drive, shop etc).

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

I attend several WLS support group meeting a month. This has been benefical in my recovery. I attend Post-op meeting learn and share with others. And I also attend open (pre & post-op) meetings, which allows me to give back some of what I have received. It also reminds me of where I have come from. I have made many good friends at these meeting and we support each other.

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

I had my surgery Lap and my scars are very minimal. They are smaller than I expected. Yeah!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had my first plateau at 4 weeks. It was very dishearting. I found that eating more protein and drinking more water helped immensely.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! I turn more heads in a more positive manner. People at work now ask my advice or come to me for help. No more nasty stares.