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

Carne Wilson. Didn't think I had the nerve or the money. Was not at all sure my insurance would cover.

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

I had good coverage with Blue Cross. I had absolutely NO problems. I do know so many others faced a nightmare with their insurances companies. I'd say don't give up and speak to your surgeon before you apply to your insurances company. Sometimes it's how you word things as to how your inurance company will respond.

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

It went extremely well. Very informative and reassuring. Experience was important to me. I opted for an Open Rny (out of town) vs a local lap because I had more confidence in the more experienced surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I couldn't take it any more. I was as bad as I could get. I was getting entriely immobile. I am 55 years old and afraid it was only a matter of time before serious health issues erupted.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose a surgeon who was well known and extremely experienced. It just so happened he only did open RNY's. I also did not want to travel too far from home.

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 was afraid of blood clots and embolisms. I was afraid I'd die. I KNEW I'd die if I didn't have the surgery. Be informed about the procedure AND the experience of your surgeon. Work WITH him!

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 had TOTAL support. I have TOTAL support. I have all this positve feedback. Everyone has been extremely proud of me and my accomplishments. Makes you feel real good about yourself. :)

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

I had total support and well wishes from my employer. A HUGE supporter of my decision. I was off work for 6 weeks. I think that is a must for an open RNY.

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 for 4 days with an Open RNY. My experience at Chico Enloe was extremely good. They were efficient, attentive, kind and the place was so nice and clean. I actually brought a book to read. hahahahahaha I was way too 'out of it' to read. I just slept.

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

absolutely none! :) Well, except for a stinging kind of numb sensation on the outside of upper right thigh. Have NO idea what that was caused by, but it suddenly appeared right after the surgery. It's a nerve thing and is now about 99 9/10 gone.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

okay, I always had this answer for all the people who asked this question of me: Several WEEKS before the surgery, I was 30% SCARED and 70% EXCITED. It flip flopped the few DAYS before the actual surgery. I was calm the day of the surgery. I had this inner peace. I was prepared and assured I had a VERY good surgeon. I felt in good hands.

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

I was tired and sore and sometimes a bit blue. I suffered from 'head hunger'. I grieved my 'best friend'...FOOD! I was prepared for this and I handled it. It is normal and it subsides with each passing day. A positive attitude is very important. Postitive attitude and good support from your family and friends. I was indeed blessed with all the above.

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

My trip was a two hour trip. The trip home, after 4 days was not too very uncomfortable. I just hugged my tummy as we traveled over bumps and railroad tracks. ;)

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.

Clear liquids for the first week home. Then to full liquids for two weeks and only 3 ounces per meal. I gingerly started pureed soups and foods and stayed on them for a month. I did include scrambled egg and cooked cereal during this time. Meats didn't go well at 2 months. I try everything now, but find I do not care for breads, pizza, pasta and potatoes. Very little rice if it is in something 'saucy'. I do not, in general, like heavy soups or sauces. I craved salad and vegetables right from the beginning. Did not start them until MUCH later on. I do the protein first, and little carbs. I 'taste' my hubby's dessert. Overcooked foods (except veggies) are a NO NO for me! I am not a dumper, but I don't push the envelope either. I drink water, water, and water. NO sodas! I still use regular salad dressings and my "I Can't Believe it's not Butter". I just eat so little of anything. I had to acquire a taste for the protein drink I have EVERY morning for breakfast. I survive now on Lean Cuisine...doing the protein first and sometimes hardly any of the carbs. Veggies are my carbs of choice now.

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

LOW!

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

All that my surgeon has prescribed. Two multi vitamins (at first the chewable Flintstones....now regular Centrums), one in the morning and one at night; iron sulfate (first time in my life I have NOT been a borderline anemic)not to be taken with calcium; and two Tums EX, one in the morning and one at night. Oh yes, cannot forget my B-12 Sublingual Dots. One of those, under the tongue at night. I do exactly as my surgeon has directed. This is extremely important!

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?

Baaaaaad hair loss about 2 months out and lasting until about 4 months out. Growing back nicely now. We are talking HANDFULS here! I was a bit panicked. Not to worry.

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

The first few days in the hospital were uncomfortable and painful. I could NOT sleep in the bed. Had to sit in a chair. I did NOT want to walk the first couple of days. Had NO energy and it HURT! I knew the importance of walking and I tried very hard. Just remember, things improve so quickly. Every day you just felt better!

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

I attend a WLS support meeting the second Saturday of every month. It is wonderful. Wish there was a meeting two times a month. We have had very helpful meetings. Once time a plastic surgeon gave a lecture. We had a cooking show. There are clothes exchanges. This is extremely helpful and I'd say, necessary.

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

I am so pleased with my scar. It is long, but it is smooth. In fact, you cannot feel the scar at all. It is a pink line with little staple dots next to it. Do I care? HECK no! The scar for all it's worth is more attractive than my FAT was! ;)

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

OH YESSSSSSSSSSS...the dreaded plateaus. MOST annoying and ever so scary! You think, "Well, it was 'fun' while it lasted! It's over now!" But it's not. An important thing to do, is to take your measurements and keep tract as you go. Even when you are not losing POUNDS, you ARE losing INCHES!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No. Other than all these accolades I am receiving. Everywhere I go, everyone I meet just can't believe the difference. They are SO happy for me and supportive. My self esteem soars!