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

My family doctor first suggested it after I had used some of the prescription medicines for weight loss without much success. I was very enthusiastic about the surgery, but when I approached my husband about it, he was very much against it. The surgeon I had been referred to at that time (not Dr. Dyer) told me that if I did not have family support, I would be better off waiting to have the surgery. I became very discouraged after this.

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

I followed all the instructions I received from the Center for Obesity Financial people, and my insurance approval went quite quickly.

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

Dr. Dyer asked me why I wanted this surgery? We discussed the fact that I had been only slightly successful with several different diet programs and that I understood that the bariatric surgery would only be a tool. Ask all the questions on your mind. Make a list before your appointment, so you don't forget anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My husband passed away in late 2001; I first threw away all the prescription diet pills. A few months after that a co-worker had the gastric-bypass surgery with much success. She was very positive about her experience. It took me several months to decide to go to a seminar, but I have never regretted it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted something that would be permanent.

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 a close friend who had the surgery in 1999 and died within a week of the surgery. He had an unknown heart problem and weighed well over 600 pounds at the time of his surgery. I talked to Dr. Dyer about this during my first visit.

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?

A few friends were supportive. Others didn't think I needed the surgery (I ignored them). I didn't tell my family until about 2 weeks before the surgery and told them if they couldn't support my decision we would not discuss it. Most people have been very supportive since my surgery (it has been nearly 4 years -- June 4, 2003)

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

She said she would be praying for me. She admired my decision. Let her know when I knew my surgical date. I was only out for two weeks.

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

The stay in the hospital was fine. I had my surgery late Wednesday (began at 5pm) and was released on Saturday afternoon. It was important for me to bring the liquid protein supplement recommended by my surgeon to the hospital.

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

I developed an infection at one of the incisions, but caught it right away and a dose of antibiotics took care of 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 was anxious and excited. I was so ready to have the surgery.

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

I was busy making sure that I did everything my doctor wanted me too. I was anxious about returning to my exercise program at Curves that I began 8 months prior to my surgery. I guess everyone probably experiences some type of anxiousness about being able to return to a normal physical routine.

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

It was probably approximately 50-55 miles to the hospital in Nashville TN from my home in Columbia TN.

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 I only consumed the clear liquid protein drink, broth, crystal light and water. The next week I made special protein shakes (recipe from the doctor). The third week I graduated to soft proteins, soft low carbs, no raw fruits or vegetables, no breads, rices, potatoes, no beef. As I tried each new food to see if it was tolerated, I was very careful to only do these things at home. Ate a lot of cheese and peanut butter at first. I still do not eat beef, pasta, rice, plain white bread, lettuce -- they just don't set right with my stomach -- no great loss -- I do miss lettuce

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

Right after surgery I had lifting restrictions, but I walked alot. Three and a half weeks after surgery I was able to go back to Curves and gradually worked back to my pre-surgery workout level.

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

I have taken chewable vitamins, at times I took iron supplements (don't need to know), I take liquid calcium supplement or chewable calcium citrate tablets, I also take a sugar free liquid vitamin and mineral supplement now. For a while I took an Omega-3 supplement, now I just eat fish a couple times 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 nausea was the worse when foods didn't agree with me. The heart palpitations and general feeling crummy if I ate too fast (dumping) weren't my favorite either. There can still be times when I get nauseated. I just try to watch what I eat.

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

The wait from the doctor appointment until the actual surgery.

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

I don't attend a support group. Wish I could find one close by that would be helpful to me.

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

Scars are practically gone -- no thought I would have them always

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I got down to about 137 pounds, but have since gained back about 30 pounds. About 7 months after surgery I developed meniere's disease and for the first couple of years, I wasn't able to exercise much. I am working hard now trying to get rid of those extra pounds and get back into my exercise routine. I still have the meniere's disease, but I know my limitations and work around them.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

At first I noticed this, people seemed to listen to whatever I said as if I suddenly became intelligent. That aggravated me at first, but people that were my friends before and stayed my friends after the weight loss are the people I spend my time with. People that are new think I have been slender all my life; I keep a picture of myself before surgery and let them know I had and have a problem. It is work to keep the weight off.