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

I remember reading in USA Today about Carnie Wilson's surgery. My first thought was, "Why would she want to do that?" I had heard for years that stomach stapling had terrible results and people had all kinds of problems. I remember all sorts of horror stories. I didn't realize that the roux ny was a completely different surgery.

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

I went through Dr. Wittgrove's office. I filled out several forms and sent them in to the office. Then a nurse called me and went over the info. She composed a letter and sent it to the insurance. I was approved 2 weeks later.

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

I felt a little apprehensive because my meeting with the surgeon was just 2 days before the actual surgery. I had a list of questions with me and he answered them completely and thoroughly. I definietly recommend writing everything down.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I needed it to save my life. I did not see it as an option. To me, it was like needing a heart bypass. You don't tell the doctor, "I think I'll wait or I'll think about it later." You do what you have to do to save your life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked up as many Web sites as I could and tried to weigh all the options. I knew I wanted the lap because it was less invasive. Being a diabetic, it was also the least possible one to cause major infection. I felt that the Roux ny was the most successful and the safest.

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 was not afraid of dying (because I am assured through my personal relationship with Jesus Christ that I am going to heaven), but I thought it might be a possibility. I did not want to die, but I knew the quality of my life without the surgery would not be worth living. I don't think the fears of dying under the anesthesia are really anything to worry about. It is natural to be afraid because this IS major surgery, and we are naturally afraid of the unknown. But statistically, the odds of surviving are definitely in our favor.

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?

In general, my family and friends were very happy for me. They knew of my struggles throughout the years and were worried about my diabetes. They thought it was a gutsy move. I had a few friends with medical backgrounds and they were the most resistant. They didn't know anything about this particular surgery and they were concerned for me. Everyone has been supportive since the surgery as well. I wish I could explain better how this surgery cures diabetes. I get tongued-tied when I try to explain because it really is hard to understand.

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

I am not working at present.

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

My hospital experience was wonderful. I feel that I received the best of care. I was in Alvarado Hospital for 3 days. The whole staff was the best. While I was very uncomfortable from the surgery, the nurses and aides did everything they could to help me. You really don't need to bring anything.

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

I felt very blessed that all the major parts of the surgery went well. However, I had some minor problems that had to be dealt with. I was glad to be alive, glad that the doctor could do the lap procedure, and glad that the connection part of the surgery went very smoothly and there were no leaks. After a couple of days I developed an infection from the tube and had some pain. I also had severe cramps and back pain that felt like back labor. I had excess bleeding from my navel and for two days was very dizzy and on the verge of passing out. I also threw up a lot of white foamy stuff. I was so grateful to have had the surgery that I really considered all of the above as a big nuisance, but it wasn't going to get me down.

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 frustrated at times, but I never really felt any anxiety. There was never a moment when I wished I hadn't had the surgery. I felt that whatever I had to put up with would be worth it. I got light-headed a lot, and had trouble with introducing new foods, but it all got better with time.

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

I was feeling great at 2 weeks post-op and having no pain. Then the pain came back for about 2 more weeks and that was frustrating. The important thing to remember is that everyone is different and everyone has a different experience and recovery. It is good to get as much info as possible, but recovery is a very individual thing.

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

I treaveled from Kansas City to San Diego and I would do it again in a heartbeat. There is only one bariatric surgeon in the KC area and he does not do the roux ny. He is also not board certified. There is a real ignorance amongst doctors here about this surgery. I had NO support from any medical professionals in Kansas City. Of xousre it was more expensive to go so far away--air fare, my husband took off 2 weeks from work, 2 weeks in a hotel, rental car, etc. But it was well worth it. I felt I was having the BEST care from the BEST surgeons. Dr. Wittgrove developed the lap roux ny and I was very confident in his expertise. I did not want to be someone's guinea pig.

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 could not eat chicken or turky from day one. Every time I try I throw it up with much difficulty. I am not going to try again for a while. I have found that I have no trouble with spicy foods. I eat shrimp, fish, all kinds of cheeses, some soups, lite yogurt, cream of wheat, salads, tomato sauce, sugar-free hot chocolate, herbal teas.

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

For the fist month I did not do a whole lot because of the pain I had. I was also quite light-headed. Things are better now.

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

I take a multiple vitamin, 2 calcium candies per day, iron supplements, and once a week I take vitamin B 12.

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?

I could finally sleep on my side or stomach after 1 month post-op. That was a relief. I really did lose a lot of sleep. I find that I get nauceous and vomit mainly if I eat TOO FAST. It is not as simple as it seems to slow down. I still do it sometimes.

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

Honestly, the worst part was waiting for the surgery. There was a 2-month wait from the time I got insurance approval and the time I scheduled the surgery. I wish I could have had less time to think about it once I made up my mind. I only regret that I did not know about this surgery sooner. I could have saved myself some of the terrible effects of diabetes that I have already endured.

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

Dr. Wittgrove's office calls me once a month and I have an 800 number that I can call with any problems. I am in 2 support groups on the Internet which helps a lot. There is no surgery of this type in my area, and I don't know of anyone in this region who has had the surgery. I find that the Internet is a great resource for any questions I have.

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

My main scar is about 2 and 1/2 inches and very slight. Tbe other scars from the lap procedure are hardly visible. In general, the scarring is a lot less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has been 7 weeks since my surgery and I have experienced no plateaus yet. This is very unusual for me from any other weight loss experience I ever had. I have lost 39 pounds so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. People seem to be genuinely happy for me.