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

I'd heard about it years ago, but could never find a PCP who would refer me to a specialist who did the surgery. When I met Dr. Doxey, and my current PCP was supportive, I couldn't wait to have the surgery

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

It took me 9 months from my first visit with Dr. Doxey to get insurance approval. My first request was denied. It took persistance on the part of my drs. and myself to get approved. I recommend that anyone considering the surgery sit down and wirte a personal and family history of weight and health problems. Be very specific about dates, drs., and programs.

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

It was very informative and eye opening. Write down any questions you may think of before the visit, take someone supportive with you, and do research on your own.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I first found out that Dr. Doxey did this kind of surgery, I knew I wanted to go through with the procedure.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Laproscopic surgery has far less complications than a more evasive type of surgery. I can't imagine anyone who has this option not electing it. My heal time was also a lot shorter. As far as the type of wls, I just accepted what he performs because I felt comfortable with him as a surgeon.

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 more fears of the complications from diabetes than the surgery. I feel that death is predetermined an when your number is up, it is up no matter what you are doing.

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 husband and two grown children were the only family members that knew about the surgery. This was easily done since we live about 500 miles from most of our family. My husband was very supportive of the surgery as he had watched me struggle with my weight for the past 28 years. My son didn't have much to say. My daughter was a little sceptical, but since she was away at college and quite busy with her schedule, I told her as little as possible and didn't let what she thought bother me. (She weighs 110 lbs and is 5'4") She doesn't know what it is like to be obese. Most of my friends were supportive and kept asking the status of the insurance approval. For the one person who was anti surgery, I tried to just keep my mouth shut. After all, it was my decision, my body, and I had already made up my mind to have wls.

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

Since I do most of my work at home and have a financial backer (not really a boss), her only concern was how it was going to affect business, how long would I be in the hospital, who would answer the phone ( and other issues about how I was going to handle the business) and when I would be able to get back to work.

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

I was in the hospital 3 days ( I could have gone home after 2 and wished that I had). I felt great for just having had sugrery. My back ached so I walked around alot. That is why I wish that I had gone home on the second day. One home on my own bed, the back ache went away. My roommate was kind of inconsiderate. She had a daughter who brought a 2 yr old to visit. On the first visit (my day of surgery) he cried and fussed the whole time. I hit the pain killer button. The next day he was sick so they didn't visit. The second day after surgery, they visited again. The child had a runny nose and again fussed the whole time. I walked the hall and sat on a bench in the hall until a nurse finally asked them to leave.

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 felt great after the surgery. I walked daily and started to ride my bike in about two weeks. The hardest part was and still is when the weather is bad and I can't get out to walk or ride my bike. I don't particularly like to exercise in the conventional sense.

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

I gradually got back into the routine. After 2 weeks, I was starting back to work with a little help from my husband and son. People just need to let you set the routine and go at your own pace. I found that getting out and walking was the best thing I did. It helped me to feel better and heal faster

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

about 15 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.

At first, I couldn't eat beef. Soft white fish after the second week was my best bet. I ate mashed vegies, jello, pudding, and other soft foods. Gradually, I added and experimented with different foods and eating out. Bread is something I definately cannot eat. Rice and pasta are on a very limited (about 2 bites) basis. With some foods, it depends on how they are prepared. I take it one day, one bite at a time. If it doesn't agree with me I let it alone.

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

I gradually had more energy. Some days, if I am real busy and push to get an order out I find that I use up my energy, but a small meal and a short rest and I am ready to go again.

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

I take 2 children's chewable vitamins with iron, 4 tums with extra calcium, 2 GNC Hair, Nails, and Skin tablets, and one sublingual Vitamin B-12 tablet per day.

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?

Hair loss is the most persistant side effect I have had. I went to my hair dresser, got a good cut, had her do the root color on my hair, and she recomended that I take biotin (found in the GNC Hair Nails, and Skin formula), deep condition once a week, and use a mild botanical shampoo.I also try to get enough protein per day. I still have some hair loss, but it is no where near what it was.

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

Waiting for the insurance approval.

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

I go to a support group that meets once a month. Most of the members are Dr. Doxy's patients. This is a great group and growing. We are starting to do more things (having Dr. Doxey and a nutritionist as guest speakers, clothing exchange) and considering ideas for others(weekend bike ride/walk/picnic, bowling). They have great hand outs for new people. I also visit web sights and read as much as possible.

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

4 very small scars (about 1/4" ea.) that are hardly noticeable, and two that are about 1". It is better than I had hoped for.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haave had several plateaus. these usually occur right before my menstral period. Two to three days into my period, I usually drop about 5 lbs.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most of the people I know compliment me on my weight loss.