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

I knew two people who had the surgery and they were able to lose weight and it changed their outlook on life. My impression was that it was a major surgery and that it was a last resort.

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

The initial approval by my insurance company was fairly easy. Unfortunately, my insurance changed and that became a nightmare. I learned a lot about how doctors negotiate a fee with the insurance company (I hadn't known that). I learned that you need to get names and learn the hierarchy of the insurance company and the surgeons's office. I learned that you need to make sure that everyone has copies of test results and to stay on top of everything!

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

I met with one doctor but later learned that another doctor on staff was going to be doing the surgery. I liked the first doctor but, I never met the doctor who did the surgery until minutes before the surgery. Not a good idea. I think you should bring someone else with you to ask questions and to take notes and do your own research before your first visit. Get specific information about post surgery care. Also, have the surgery as close to home as possible so that you don't have to travel for post surgery visits as you may not feel like driving.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The fear that my medical problems were going to continually get worse. The fear that I was out of control and couldn't change my life anymore.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time, I wasn't aware of any other type of procedures.

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 didn't have any fear of complications or dying as a result of the surgery since I had endured other types of surgeries. You should be fearful. You should be aware that complications can occur. They can occur multiple times. And, it's possible to survive the surgery and die from other complications created by the surgery. I understand that my complications are the exception rather than the rule but, I strongly suggest you are aware of the potential for problems and what to look for. Realize that this is a major surgery and you should prepare accordingly.

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?

I think that everyone was very supportive. I think I should have had my husband and my sister attend the pre-surgery appointments so that they would be more familiar. I am fortunate that my family has supported me and taken care of me throughout the last 7 years. Without them, I surely would not have survived. This is not the type of surgery that you can handle on your own. You need help when you go home. I think that my family wishes that I had not had the surgery due to all the complications I have had.

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

I'd had some surgeries prior to the GBP so I was very prepared. The hospital stay was fine. The most important thing to bring are breath mints and loose clothing and pajamas.

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

I've had 6 or 7 bowel obtruction surgeries and significant medical problems as a result of the surgery. My body still is unable to properly digest food and maintain nutrients. I get blood transfusions, B12 shots monthly. I went into respiratory failure after my last obstructions surgery due to ARDS and was placed in a medically induced coma on a ventilator for 6 weeks. I am still dealing with many challenges which require constant medical care and attention.

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 didn't get a lot of notice before my scheduled surgery due to insurance complications so I really didn't have time to have anxiety.

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

Bed rest. I left with a drain. Having that removed was very painful! Have the list of what you can eat when you get home and make sure you have things available. You will be amazed at the small amount of food you will be able to eat. Be aware that your brain still wants to eat but your stomach won't have the room. I found eating by myself was easier than watching others the first months until you get accustomed to the change in stomach capacity.

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

I had my surgery at a hospital about 1.5 hours from my house. It was the closest hospital that the surgeon was affiliated with. At the time, there weren't as many doctors or hospitals doing the surgery. It definitely impacted my aftercare because it was too far away. When I had complications it was impossible to go back to the operating hospital. I definitely recommend searching for a hospital closer to home!

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.

I don't remember specifically at this time. I remember initially it was broth then moving up to jello and then being able to add things back over the course of 2 months. For years, I couldn't digest meat properly so I had to adjust getting protein somewhere else (peanut butter, eggs, etc...) To this day I still can't eat a restaurant meal without getting a doggie bag! I can't eat an entire fast food meal either. I found that I almost entirely eliminated any kind of carbonated drinks.

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

Not a lot of activing due to drain and stiches initially. After a month or two it began to be easier to walk stairs without getting breathless!

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

I have many problems with digestion and the ability to retain nutrients. As a result, I am monitored through blood work monthly. I get blood tranfusions as needed. Monthly B12 shots. Potassium deficiency has caused 3 trips to the emergency room and hospital stays. I also take a prescription Vitamin D supplement.

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 am still plagued by nausea, vomiting and dumping. I have severe anemia, vitamin D deficiency and problems maintaining appropriate levels of potassium. These problems have persisted since surgery and caused a myriad of other medical conditions. I'm still coping. I'm still surviving the best I can.

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

The many hospitalizations and additional surgeries caused by bowel obstructions. The worse part was trying to recover from ARDS...being in a coma...on a ventilator and as near death as a human being can be. The other worse thing is the toll that my surgeries have had on my family who watched over me while I was in a coma, on a ventilator and hearing them recount what happened to me. Since I don't remember much of the coma, they fill in the blanks for me and I know it scares the heck out of them

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

I didn't have a support group or program post surgery. I wish I had!

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

Which scar? Since I've had 7 abdominal surgeries after the GBP it is hard to tell which is which. Luckily it looks like they keep opening me up in the same place!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I never really had a plateau, it seemed like I lost 100 lbs in about a year and I've pretty much maintained my weight. At one point after the coma my weight dropped about 20 pounds more which was not good but, I put it back on and maintained my weight again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I still struggle most with the difference in how people treat me. Quite honestly, it makes me angry. People who never gave you a second glance in life are suddenly friendlier. I think it has made me more suspicious of people's intentions. I am more wary of strangers than I was before.