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

I've done research on it for at least the last 20 years. When I saw the statistics of people dying from complications of the surgery years ago (1 in 200), I would go no further. After several years, I'd check out the newest information to see if the stats were better... and they were.

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

I got approval fairly quickly. I called my insurance carrier and spoke to a representative. I asked for what I needed to get it approved as quickly as possible. They said I needed a history of weight loss attempts, and a history of my general health. I got this information from my doctor - they printed it out easily on their computer. My surgeon also provided health histories to fill out that were submitted to the insurance company as well.

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

The first meeting was with the staff Nutritionist. She provided a two-hour course on what bariatric surgery options there are, their possible complications, and the pre- and post-op eating plans and vitamin & supplement schedules. Most of this information is in the Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies book. I highly recommend it! They didn't let me meet with the surgeon until AFTER this two-hour course - so that you are prepared to make a decision. Then came the Psychological Evaluation to make sure you can handle it all emotionally and make the behavioral changes that need to be made.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Statistics became better - and my health kept deteriorating. I knew I would die young if I didn't do it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After the two-hour introduction course provided by my surgeon's office, I decided to go RNY Gastric Bypass instead of Lap Band. I would have the benefit of malabsorption in addition to the restriction - so I would lose more weight, and faster. I also did NOT know from my own internet research that there is a pad that stays under your skin where they fill the ring with saline - the thought of something foreign in there really grossed me out.

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 learned everyone thinks they are going to die. I was convinced of it, because I was so unhealthy - even though my surgeon mandated that I get cardiac clearance beforehand. I am a Christian - and right as they placed the mask over my face when I was on the table, I said silently "Lord, unto thee I commit my spirit." Then I woke up, and thought "Well - I guess you have more for me to do here! Thank you, Lord."

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?

Most of my family and friends were very happy and excited for me. My mom understood why I was doing it. My oldest sister was just angry. She was very afraid for me, and didn't understand why I couldn't just do it on my own... even though she had seen me try to lose weight and keep it off since I was 11 years old. I turned 48 the day after my surgery. It was my present to myself. They are all now beside the moon - and can't believe the changes in me - not just physically, but behaviorally. Plus I am a very active person now. Now I want to DO instead of EAT.

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

My employer was very supportive. I work from home as an Instructional Designer... so I only took a week and a half off, since all I do is sit at a computer and type.

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

I was at Providence Saint Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, CA. It was beautiful. I had a private room with its own thermostat. The staff was great. Very caring and helpful. I had the RNY Gastric Bypass at 11am on a Thursday. The surgery was 1 hour. As soon as they woke me up and took me to my room, I started my 20 laps per day around the nurse's station. I have Fibromyalgia, so laying down actually hurts more sometimes - I just had to walk slowly. I did fantastically, and was discharged on Saturday morning. They also took the drain out before I went home (the worst part for me - made me crampy). Something that SAVED ME in the hospital was my pillow shiatsu massager. I sat on that thing all day long and it kept me relaxed. I also brought my favorite bed pillow, which really helped me sleep. Oh - and sneak in some anti-gas strips that melt quickly on your tongue. That was the BEST tip I got from my support group - I took one every couple of hours, and I NEVER had any shoulder pain from the gas they pump you up with for laprascopic procedures! That was a miracle!

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

Nope - it couldn't go any better!

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 called my support group leader a few times when I got nervous, and she was a great help. I also read my Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies book and the literature provided by my surgeon over and over again. It really helped to be informed as much as possible about everything I could expect to happen. I also had a list of things I wanted to eat before my liquid diet started - it was a good reason to get together with friends and get their support too.

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

Do EXACTLY what your surgeon tells you to do and you'll be fine.

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

It was an hour drive - but worth it. My surgeon was the one who developed the procedure of doing the RNY Gastric Bypass laprascopically... and the hosptial was a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. That made me more confident of getting through 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.

When on liquids and then pureed foods - everything was good. It took a lot longer than what the literature said to be able to tolerate any meat of any kind, unless it was put in a food processor. I threw up a lot in the first couple of months of trying meat. I was a steak lover pre-surgery... and now I don't think I'll ever be able to eat more that a few small bites in a meeting. Beef Jerky is fine, though, because it breaks up really well... and well-cooked bacon is OK. At 5 months out, I've learned my limitations - and only have to throw up once in a blue moon when I have too much of some kind of meat. I stay away from pasta and bread - it doesn't go down easily.

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

I tried to walk AT LEAST 1/2 mile every day on my treadmill. After a month, I purchased a Wii game console and the Wii Fit game that I play with my son. It comes with Wii Sports. You really sweat and it's great fun. It's also great because it keeps track of your weight and progress.

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

Exactly what my surgeon specified: at least 70 grams protein supplements each day, 2 chewable multi-vitamins with minerals, iron, biotin (for hair), fish oil, Devron (an internal body deoderant), calcium, B12 (once 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?

I can tolerate a little more sugar than literature states without dumping... but NOT fat. Too much fat content makes me REALLY sick. Everyone's different. Nausea from overeating a bit too much is helped by taking Papaya & Pineaapple Enzyme (from Trader Joes) or Queasy Drops (from www.bariatricadvantage.com) - my fave. The hair did fall out alot at the 3 month period - but, as literature stated, by the time I noticed it, I saw a lot of new growth coming in too.

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

Breaking old habits. When I began the liquid diet, I realized I knew every fast food place on every street I was driving on. I fought the urge to look in the refrigerator ALL THE TIME. I mourned my old eating habits - which is normal as stated in Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. (I tell 'ya - it's the BEST book you can get for yourself!) But the mourning period DOES pass... and you become the person you never thought you could EVER become. I can honestly say now that food is not important to me. Life is.

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

My WLS support group meets twice a month. I don't go all the time now... but in the pre-op period and first couple of months post-op, it was a life line. I also LOVE going to my follow-up appointments at my surgeon's office and talk to the newbies. Those who spoke to me when I was in that position helped and encouraged me more than they know... and I LOVE to return the favor.

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

I have 6 3/4-inch long scars on my abdomen - four that make a smiley mouth above my belly button - then one above them, centered between my belly button and breasts... then one off to my right side. One day after surgery, while looking at my body naked in the mirror before I stepped in the shower, I realized that with my breasts as the eyes, I have a smiley face on my abdomen - that has a beauty mark. I don't know if my surgeon thought that would be funny or what. But it kind of is.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Beginning three months out, I plateau for one month, then within a week I lose 8-10 pounds... then I plateau for another month. It's very frustrating, but I just had a follow-up with my surgeon and he said that it is perfectly normal. I really need to get out of the habit of weighing myself every day.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh my gosh, yes. Men are doing double-takes at me now. That hasn't happened in MANY years. My friends and family are so happy for me and can't believe the changes in my looks - I look fit and younger! My son is 17 and has never seen me thin. He is so proud of me. That is my biggest joy.