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

Word of mouth & I was skeptical, because that is my nature. It took a lot of research and soul searching before I was ready to consider it for myself.

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

I was self pay because my insurance specifically excluded the surgery.

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

I don't think he realized how motivated I was. He told me to ask him anything, but I had already made up my mind and researched the options. All I was interested in finding out was whether he & I were compatible.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My primary care physician suggested it, which was like a kick in the gut. He said I would probably have to go on insulin soon. Anyway, I got myself to a therapist to figure out why I was slowly self-destructing. I spent six months diligently working out 3-5 times per week and eating healthy: I lost 7 pounds. I decided at 55 that I wouldn't live long enough to lose & get healthy, so I moved on to surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched it online, then went to a seminar at WeightWise (which was recommended by my primary care physician).

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 lots of fears, because that is my nature. I would tell other people that the risk is slight compared to what I had been doing to myself. By the way, I did have a complication which caused me to have a second surgery & be in the hospital for additional days. I've lost about half of my excess weight & if I never lose another pound, it was all worth it. Updated @ six months: I've lost 78% of my excess weight and am still losing. It works.

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 been as supportive as possible, depending on their personal situations. It was harder to tell them I was in therapy the year before than it was to tell them about the surgery. I let them all know exactly what was going to happen and that I would appreciate positive feedback or no feedback if they couldn't be positive. So far, I haven't had to slap anyone. lol

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

It was great. There was a lot of information provided and plenty of time for questions. I can't imagine having it done without the extensive prepartion that WeightWise provides.

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

My stay ranged from okay to outstanding. I was in the hospital 3 nights. The most important thing to bring is someone you know and trust (my husband). Otherwise, they provided everything.

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

Yes, there was a complication, internal bleeding. The doctor dealt with it by doing a second surgery. It takes a couple of days for me to really hit my stride after surgery, so I was mildly disappointed at not getting to go home, but that was about 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?

After I had my surgery date, I was excited and ready to go. I spent about a year getting to that point, so I was primed. I selected the surgery date because of a planned vacation to NYC. The surgery was the day after I returned home. The vacation probably helped keep me from being anxious.

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

Expect a lot of fatigue, some soreness, & possibly constipation. The constipation was the worst thing. Also, you gain a lot of water weight in the hospital, so your clothes that were loose may be snug. Save back a few loose clothes to wear while your tummy is tender & bloated.

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

60 miles.

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 two weeks I ate liquids, the following two weeks, soft foods, now I eat mostly proteins, some vegetables, and a little fruit. I may have rushed things a little because I threw up a few times. Foods that have caused that include: hamburger patty, boiled shrimp, very small beans. Since then, I've successfully eaten them all in small amounts. It's been 10 weeks & I've just started adding in some raw veggies.

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

The first two weeks it was a big deal to walk around the house & the grocery store. Once I started feeling better my activity level has increased a lot. I'm doing more things with my family, deep cleaning the house, took a more active interest in Christmas projects, ets. I've also started exercising and taking an interest in life. Before it was a chore to go to the grocery store.

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

Vitamin D, a chewable multi vitamin, calcium citrate, fish oil, B12

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 had nausea in the hospital for the first day, then occasionally for a couple of weeks when I was introducing foods too fast. I drink more than my recommended water, but I still have some constipation issues, so a stool softener is a must. Updated @ 6 months: My hair started falling out a few weeks ago. I thought maybe I would miss that side effect.

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

The internal bleeding and second surgery was the worst part about the actual bariatric surgery process. The second worst thing was a result of the first: I was in the hopital longer than anticipated & the last night the RN was a second stringer. She couldn't start an IV or pull blood worth a darn. Talk to them ahead of time about the nurses. The rest of the time I had excellent care.

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

I attend the weekly support group at WeightWise in Edmond about once a month as well as a local monthly support group. I've also decided to use the OH forums as a support group.

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

My scars look better every day and are now better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had two different plateaus; one at three weeks and one at 10 weeks. The following weeks saw very good losses. Updated @ 6 months: I had another minor plateau @ four months, but overall keep losing.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I forget about the surgery, so it is surprising when people say anything to me about it. A few people seem jealous or resentful, but that is the way they are about other things, too. Most of my friends are super supportive and have been really helpful about loaning & donating clothing. Updated @ 6 months: Men are commenting on how good I look. It is sometimes a little creepy.