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

I first found out about the surgery when I saw a commercial about fifteen years ago. I called about it then, but it was expensive and my insurance did not cover it. I wanted to know more, but after I discovered the cost and that the insurance would not cover it, I gave up. I thought the surgery might be dangerous and the only means for really overweight, desperate people. Guess what I've become? Ha ha.

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

The initial request was denied rather quickly. But they allowed for an appeal, which I did and provided all required information; i.e., medical problems associated with weight, previous dr. supervised weight-loss programs, etc. After 2 weeks, a letter arrived with approval. I advise all people to just keep hammering away and make phone calls. The doctor's office does not always do what they say, so you need to get on the phone and sometimes do the leg work.

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

The first meeting was pretty brief. You have the surgeon for a few minutes, ask him questions. Don't let him leave until your questions are answered and you are satisfied with his answers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had a baby and realized that I was just getting fatter and fatter and it seemed I would just explode. I couldn't lose the weight by myself and I knew the surgery was my only hope.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I looked into a few programs locally in So. California and found Surgilite to be the most friendly and helpful. Their office makes you feel like you are the only one who's going through the surgery. The surgeons, although extremely busy, are attentive and helpful.

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 made sure my husband and daughter knew of the complications and we talked about it. Prayer was our biggest support system and knowing that God will take care of us. I'm not afraid to die, so that wasn't an issue. If you are afraid to die, I suggest you find out why and be honest with yourself. Besides the fear stuff, I have talked with too many people who have successfully gone through this surgery and they were fine.

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 did not tell anyone other than close friends and relatives. I felt it was a personal decision for me and I did not want to feel as if everyone were watching me. Those I told were very supportive and could not do enough to help and support, both before and after surgery. I would not do anything different.

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

I am not employed, so this does not apply to me.

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 pretty good. The hospital staff was wonderful and very helpful. They kept the other bed free so that my husband could stay with me. It was great! I stayed 6 days and by the 4th day I was feeling pretty good and couldn't wait to get home!

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

The only complication I had was in the ICU. They gave me too much morphine and had trouble waking me up.

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 felt relieved that it was finally going to happen. I also felt a bit anxious. I am very aware that this surgery is a change of life-style. Making the decision to change takes courage. Again, prayer and a relationship with Jesus Christ gives me peace and help through fear.

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

Although I felt good, my stomache was tender and it was difficult to get comfortable at first. Thankfully, I had a recliner to rest on. Laying flat on my back was very uncomfortable. I felt good but had to remember to take it easy so that I would not do too much.

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

I live about 50-60 miles from the hospital and doctor's office. It is about an hour's drive, which is not too bad. Making the hour drive is the pits, but since I only have to go for check-ups every 6 weeks or so, it is not impossible to live with.

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 was on a clear liquid diet; i.e., broths, juices, jello. The second two weeks I was able to add milk, puddings, yogurt, cream soups, etc. After 4 weeks I could eat pureed foods, no restrictions. After 6 weeks, with the exception of red meat, I can eat whatever I want. So far, I have not encountered anything that has caused me any problems. After 3 months, I can add red meat.

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

In the days immediately following surgery, activity was limited to shuffling around the hospital/house and making my way to the restroom. Once I got home, I climbed the stairs a few times a day to dress and wash, etc. After 2 or 3 weeks, I was moving around faster, going to the grocery store, church, and visiting friends. My incision was still sore, so I remained pretty cautious. Now, after 10 weeks, I do moderate house cleaning, some laundry, play with my dog and baby, go to the beach, walk around the neighborhood, just about anything I want. My energy level is high, but I rest for 1/2 hour to 1 hour a day so I don't wear myself out.

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

I take one multi vitamin daily and an iron supplement twice daily. I have heard from others about protein supplements, but my doctor has not said anything about them yet.

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 experienced some nausea after surgery, but it turned out to be a mild case of the flu. I have not experienced any dumping or hair loss. I also haven't had any trouble sleeping at all. I hit the pillow and I'm out.

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

The worst part was being woken up in recovery while three tiny people tried to lift me from the gurney onto the bed. Then they wrapped this giant ace bandage-type thing around me. It was all very painful and I felt like I was being wripped apart. After that, the morphine dose was too high and I hallucinated a bit. That was not pleasant. Other than those times in the hospital, I have not experienced anything bad relating to the surgery.

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

I have a local support group through the doctor's office. I also have several close friends who have had WLS so we get together and talk often, comparing notes and things. It is very helpful and I recommend each post op person finding someone with whom they can share/compare.

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

My scar is still healing. It starts about an inch below my breast line and stops about 2 inches above my belly button. It is pretty ugly. It is not quite what I expected, but then I've never had surgery before, so didn't really know what to expect anyway.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The first 4 weeks, I lost almot 40 pounds. It was incredible. The next six weeks, I lost only 15 pounds. The doctor reassured me that plateaus happen and that I shouldn't be disappointed. But when I think that I lost 55 pounds within a 10 week period, I am not complaining!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have been a bit discouraged because I can't see a real difference in my own appearance (although my husband says he can). Tonite, however, we were at church and two people I know only casually stopped me to ask what it was that I had done different. Was it my hair, my makeup? What? It made me feel good knowing that people are noticing some change, they're just not sure what it is.