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

I worked as an aide in a hospital and saw some of the very first bariatric surgeries. That was in the early 70's. It freightened me and I said I would never do that---but then I wasn't as large as 300 pounds then either. when I did start to think about it-it took me 3 years to research it and decide.

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

My insurance company, required that I have 3 co-morbidities ( which I did, 1. diabetes, 2. high blood pressure, 3. high cholesterol) and complete a 6 month physician monitored diet program. When I missed the 6th month appointment, I had to start over. Then prior to approval I had to write a letter as to why it was a necessary procedure for me. Do what ever it takes to qualify. Do this for your health and to be healthy for the rest of your life. But be sure you are willing to do what it takes to make the changes necessary in your life to be sucessful, remember this is a tool, not an easy fix.

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

I had attended a seminar put on by the Bariatric Institute, so I had some of my questions already answered. My doctor was very informative about the types of surgery available and we discussed what I thought I wanted. However, by the time that I had my surgery I had changed from a lap-band to the RNY Bypass. I suggest that you do research to determine which is best for you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My co-morbidities, and knees (which had both previously been replaced) were beginning to pain me again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched on the computer (internet) and read approximately 10 books, also talked with a number of people who had previously had one of the surgeries and attended a couple of support group meetings.

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?

Any surgery is taking a risk with your life. Weigh your pros and cons and make your decision. However, keep in mind that living with co-morbidities and being over weight you are risking your life every day.

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?

Had some nay sayers, and husband thought it was too permenant if there were issues. Didn't want to tell many in the beginning, however now that it is done I don't hesitate to talk about it and let people know it might not be right for everyone but for me it saved my life. Husband is extremely supportive now. Most friends think it is great, but my over weight friends still don't think I made the right choice.

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

I didn't inform him of what type of surgery I was having, just that I was having a surgical procedure. I returned to work in 5 days having only missed 3 work days.

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

Very informative, and I felt very comfortable in a room full of over weight people. I was very glad I attended, and it helped me decide right then and there I was going to do what was needed to be a sucess.

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

My hospital stay was over night. I had wonderful night nurses but there were glitches in my stay and for being a hospital of "Bariatric Excellence" my stay was a little unpleasant. I wrote a letter after returning home detailing some of the glitches, so hopefully someone else wouldn't go through some of what I did. I took: robe and slippers, brush, toiletries.

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

No complications.

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 ready, couldn't wait for the day, although I did worry some of the out come. I had read so much that I felt I was prepared.

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

Difficult to get in all fluids and protien. I didn't feel any hunger for at least 3 months. Guess that was the honeymoon period for me because it gave me time to adjust. My advice is to live one day at a time and don't expect to loose 5 pounds a day. So many in the fourms talk about not loosing everyday. It isn't about the pounds so much as the changes you are making and the changes taking place in your body.

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

I live approximately 65 miles from the doctor and hospital (just over one hour driving time). It dind't make any difference in my after care.

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.

Began with a clear liquid diet, progressed to full liquid then to mashed/pureed foods, to soft foods and finally a reqular diet, spaced out over several months. Off limits were nuts, lettuce, steak, sweets, breads, pasta, and flours. I found that I may try something today and tolerate it fine and try it again in a week and not tolerate it at all. And still find the same after 13 months. I constantly remind myself to cut things in small bites and chew, chew, chew. I tell people at my support group to eat with a small spoon and small fork as a reminder.

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

In the beginning even walking was a chore and sometimes unpleasant. However, as the weight starts coming off energy levels rise and exercise becomes easier to do.

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

I maintain taking a bariatric multi vitamin twice a day, calcium citrate three times a day, and sublingal B daily.

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 have nausea when I eat too fast or too large of bites. Some times after eating I feel discomfort in my stomache area---and have copious amounts of spit in my mouth that I can't seem to swallow, when that happens I know the food is coming back up. This is still true today. You learn as you go how important small bites, small amounts and how chew, chew, chew are so important every day---every bite. I had not hair loss, which I attribute to the bariatric vitamins and proper amounts of fluids and protiens. Dumping is a way that your tool--tells you how bad you have been when you have eaten the wrong thing.

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

The wait....the six month diet program. The pre-op diet was difficult to adjust to, but was good for preparing me for the protien drinks.

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

I attend two seperate (in two seperate towns) support groups for bariatric surgery, supported by Western Bariatric Institute. I enjoy both and have attended for the past year and plan to continue to do so. I feel that I learn something every time I go from the others in the groups. A support group is an important part for me and I encourage all who have had some type of weight loss surgery to attend one.

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

My surgery was lapryscopic and I have only 5 small scar areas. Very small and very unimportant to me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Several times this past year the weight loss came to a stop. But review of protien, calories and physical exercise and changes made started the loss process again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have become more one of the crowd. I don't stand out as the fat lady.