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

My hairdresser had the surgery and I saw her disappear in size almost before my eyes. She had boundless energery and never appeared to be hungry. I asked what she had done and she told me. I immediately went to see the doctor and the rest is history.

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

I was lucky with my surgery. Because I was taking so much in the way of medications for high blood pressure; diabetes; etc. It was very evident that I needed this surgery for medical purposes. I was also 150 lbs overweight. I am 5ft 4inches and at the time of surgery I weighed 297lbs. After the doctor submitted the request I was approved within a month. My insurance is United Healthcare.

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

I was very frightened and my heart beat like a drum. My husband was with me and held my hand throughout the initial consultation. Once I agreed to go through with the surgery I found myself relaxing and feeling wonderful that I had finally made this decision. Having my husband's support was emotionally very helpful.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was very afraid of having a heart attack and wanted to be able to live a life instead of feeling that I was on the outside looking in.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The insurance company made that decision for me.

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?

My attitude about dying was that if I did, I would have died without the surgery anyway. I tried very hard not think about the unpleasant thoughts associated with pre-surgery. I almost succeeeded until the day of surgery when I was interviewed by the anesthesologist just before I was taken into the operating room. He frightened me more than having the surgery did.

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 children as well as my sister and my father were very opposed to my going thru such drastic actions. I told them all that only I could make these decisions for myself and eventually after they researched what I was doing they all calmed down.

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

My employer as well as the entire staff were with me 100%.

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 5 days. Had surgery Monday and was discharged on Friday. My stay in the hospital was uneventful. I had a private room and the care I received was adequate. The most important thing to bring with you is happiness. Just be glad you are there and the worst is over.

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

Lucky me had not complications whatsoever.

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 very frightened. I often thought about not doing the surgery because I was so fearful of dying. However, I never really discussed the actual surgery with anyone and looking back on it that was probably o.k. in my case. I didn't know what to expect so I had less fear then if I knew how complicated the surgery was.

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

When I first came home from the hospital I was extremely depressed. I cried a lot and felt that I had absolutely done a horrible thing to myself. I was able to speak to someone about these feelings and the assurance I got allowed me to get on with my recovery. I don't think anyone should be to hard on themselves. It takes a brave person to attempt this surgery and just allow some time for recovery.

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

My hospital was approximately 40 minutes from my house. This was an easy trip for me and that was why I choose the doctor I did. In case I needed to see him on an emergency I could be there quickly.

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 this point I am post op 9 months. In the beginning I ate nothing not allowable. It seemed to take forever to eat two teaspoons of anything. By the time I was 3 months post op I was able to eat more protein then in the beginning. I still don't allow myself sugar in any form. I am very careful about over indulging in complex carbs. I try very hard to eat salads and greens and use fruit for sweets. It doesn't always work but I try my best. I realize this is only a tool but I got a second chance and I don't want to ruin it.

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

My energy level came back very slowly. I am 58 years old and I didn't expect to recover that quickly. However, now I can go all day and all night. The loss of weight has increased my energy level to the point that I am never tired.

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

I take the following: Co-q10; multiple vitamin; coral calicum; vit. C; nician; b-compound; b-12. I eat Balance gold energy bars when the cravings become unbareable. I don't drink any energy drinks. I don't care for the taste.

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 don't know if I'm lucky or not but I only threw up twice. Both times were in the very beginning after surgery and were caused by not chewing properly. I have had some dumping but I can deal with it. I've not had any dumping that was not controlable. When it happens I always try to remember what I ate that caused it and try very hard not to eat it again. My hair loss was not that visible. Now, post op 9 months. I only have very occasional dumping and usually it's because I ate something fried or had a lot of sweets.

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

For me the worse part was the surgery itself. However, once the weight started to come off, I didn't think about the surgery to much.

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

Dr. Leim offers a support group/program but I have not taken advantage of it. I feel enough confidence to do this on my own. I will call his office if any questions arrise for me.

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

My scar runs from the tip of my breast bone all the way down to my belly button. I didn't expect it to be so big. Also I have scars from where the tubes were in my stomach.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm facing a plateau right now and I have begun an increase in my excerise routine. I feel that when I move a lot I see the scale move also.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely! I don't like it that they do because I basically the same person only smaller in size.