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

I found out about this surgery through the TV and then through the publicity of Carnie Wilson. I first thought WOW, that is what I need to do. Then reality set in and I realized that there was no way I would ever get that lucky.

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

My experience with getting insurance approval was fairly easy. Centenial Medical Center made it very easy. I filled out a form and in 2 days the letter of medical necessity was sent to me and to the insurance company. Then in about one week I called to check on it and it had been approved. So my experience was very nice. I do recomend that you make sure that you are very through in your background and make sure the doctor goes back atleast 5 years for you history or you will not get looked at for approval. The more information the better. And remember Obesity is a disease. You may have to fight for your right for this surgery as a diseased person.

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

My first visit was nerve racking. I was very nervous, after all I was about to let this man schedule an apointment to cut me open and I had just met him. How bizzare is that? So I treated it as though this was an interview. My mother was with me and she was a nervous reck too. My husband couldn't go because his job wouldn't let him off with pay and we needed the money. He reviewed my chart and asked me some questions and then he said do you have any questions. Well I pulled out my list of questions. After I asked my questions, my mother asked hers. Then after I explained my self to the surgeon, he had to explain himself to me. I asked him to evaluate himself and tell me how many of these he had done, where he had done them and the sucess and failure rate of them. I think this is very important especially since you are about to trust him with you life and you have just met the man.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This summer when my son was playing baseball and I was not able to go out and play with him or take him on vacation to the beach or to Disney World. My asthma was getting worse and I was short of breath just walking from my car to work of a morning. We are now planning the Trip to Disney World this summer. I should be thin enough to ride with him and am going to LOVE IT!!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I left that up to the Doctor and he said it would be best if I had the Gastric Bypass RNY Open. I trusted him. He said that with a BMI of 56 then it was more dangerous to have it lap because of all of the fat and he felt more comfotable doing them open when patients were that big.

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 have fears of the surgery not working and definate fears of dying. After the surgery one day I remember crying to my dad and saying "what if it doesn't work I cannot tell a difference" he said, "Julie, I can see a difference alrealdy. It will just take a while you have to be patient." Now I can see a difference too. So that fear was subsided. My fear of a leak was not very promanant. I really had confidence in this surgeon. My fear of death is still with me. I had a very good friend that had the surgery on 11-15-01 die from septic and a staph infection on 11-27-01. She was only 30 years old and has a 5yr old little girl and a 6 month old little girl. So this is not a surgery to be a quick fix for someone or to be taken lightly. It is a complete lifestyle change you have to be willing and able to accept and realize that the small percent 1-4% of people that die may actually be you. The percentage has to come from someone.

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 was very supportive towards my decision. They knew that it was time for me to do something. They were just in hopes that it wouldn't be so drastic. I waited until about a week before to tell my grandparents because I felt they would worry too much, but they were actually all for it and knew a lot about the surgery already. How crazy was that. My family has been SO supportive during my Post-op it has been amazing. My husband especially. He actually helped me bathe and get cleaned up when I couldn't manage. He kept track of my drainage amounts in my bulb. He has mostly put up with my complaining. I owe him so very much. I don't know what I would have done without him. Bobby, if you read this, Thank you and I love you. You are truly my best friend.

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

My employer is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. I really didn't want to mention that because I was afraid that people would think that that was why I was approved. When actually it was the letter that was so detailed that did it I just made sure that it got to the correct department. My supervisor was very supportive in my decision. I had no problem getting them convinced that I needed the surgery. I just told the truth. My supervisor helped get my Short Term Disability paperwork done and I was approved off for 4 weeks.

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 good. The nursed were very knowledgeable and whatever I needed I got. I was in for 4 days and I needed every bit of time in the hospital. The most important thing to bring is your own pillow, toothbrush, and hairbrush, and your own soap if you have sensitive skin.

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

I haven't had any complications from the surgery. I have side effects. I am very sick at my stomach almost all the time and I vomit most mornings. I don't vomit food that I have eaten just more like dry heaves. I have a lot of sinus drainage and that is more than likely what is doing 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?

I had mixed emotions when I got my date. I was nervous, scared, anxious, and excited all in one breath. Yes that is possible. I continued to see my psychologist and that help me work through a lot of my issues.

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

The first week or so I was tired and sore. I walked as much as I could but it was difficult. My weight had caused me not to menstrate in almost a year and the day after I got home I had a period. The doctor said that was normal after surgery.

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

I had to travel about 3 hours for my surgery and my appointments and it is worth it.

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.

The first week and 1/2 I only ate jello and chicken broth. Then in the next 3 weeks I was able to eat blended food. Baby food consistancy. My doctor said "if a fork stands up in it, it is too thick." That is excellent advice.

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

I was not very active in the first couple of weeks following surgery. I regreat that because I think my actitivty level now would be better. Walking is imparative.

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

I take 2 Bugs Bunny vitamins a day and 1 B-12 vitamin a week

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?

The worst is the nausia and vomiting. I slept in a chair for about 2 1/2 weeks. I am now sleeping in my bed but still battling the nausia and vomiting.

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

I think the worst part of the surgery was and still is right now the absence of food. I miss my Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. The hot dogs and chili and hamburgers. But I have been told that that is still possible to eat but just at a future date.

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

I am not currently enrolled in a support group but I wish there was one available. I am going to my appointments in Nashville but that is about it. My family is my support right now.

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

My scar goes from my breasts down to my belly button. It is a smooth scar and fairly straight. I expect it to heal well and disappear as did my others.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am still loosing right now and have experienced no plateaus as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do not notice a difference in people yet. You have to understand to those that don't know me they cannot see my loss of weight. All they see is still just another FAT lady trying to fit into a booth or movie theater seat. They don't see me for me. Sad isn't it.