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

I heard about it when Carnie Wilson had her surgery but didn't think about it anymore until my mother was in the hospital end of November last year. She had CHF due to her weight. I read the brochures on the wall of the step down unit and I spoke to many of the nurses about the surgery. I was given the number of the Obesity Center at Morristown Memorial and I took it from there.

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

The Obesity Center at MMH took care of the insurance part. I filled out a questionnaire and they took care of the rest. I was approved within 24 hours.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was very informative. It was a long visit. I was weighed and told what my BMI was. The procedure was explained to me in full and I was also examined by the doctor. What helped me was I wrote down all the questions I had before my appt. As they came to me I jotted them down on paper and then had them ready for my appt. They like when you ask questions, I was told no question is too small or dumb, so I let them rip!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am 36 years old, I am married but have no children. I want kids, as does my husband. My weight only goes steadily up and I have no quality of life now. I could only imagine how I would feel in another year or two. I want to live and I want to enjoy life. I want to grow old with my husband and live life with him and not have him live his life caring for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spoke to my doctor and researched all types.

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 haven't had the surgery yet but I do have some fears about it. Although the more people I talk too and the more I see on t.v. does give me confidence that this procedure is more perfected now to decrease complications, especially when done laparscopically. I do worry alot about hair loss, that is my biggest concern.

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 family and friends could not be more supportive. Even my manager at work is happy with my decision. They just want me to make sure that this is what I want and that I have researched the surgery well.

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

My manager is great. We are friends as well as co-workers. He supports my decision and is happy that I am finally getting a grasp on my situation. I was told I will be out of work for 4 weeks, but he told me to take as much time as I needed.

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

Had my surgery around 3:30 p.m. and didn't get into my room until 10:30 p.m. First night very painful but slept most of the time. Next day (early) the catheter came out and I was up and about. Very sore, more than most due to my gal bladder being removed in addition. Was there 4 days, had a fever that added 1 day to my stay. I brought a tooth brush, brush and comb to the hospital. Believe me, you don't feel like doing much at all.

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

Yes. 2 weeks after my release I developed an abcess by my liver which had to be drained. That was painful. Was in the hospital for 5 days and had to have a pic line inserted into my upper arm so I could do IV antibiotics at home for 3-1/2 weeks. Had a reaction to the IV 3 days after I came home and went in a third time with vomiting and dehydration. They did an endoscopy and found ulcers at the surgery site. I was in for 2 days that stay. Knock wood, now I feel great! It was still worth it.

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 just very excited. For me the mental part was easier, not harder. I knew my decision would already be made for me and I would not have to struggle with myself in my mind. It was a great sense of relief knowing I was getting my life back under control. I took charge for a change!

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

It was hard for me to bend. Going to the bathroom was difficult due to the bending. Hardest part also was getting up in the morning. Pain was mostly on my left side which is where they tell me the most work was done. Exactly one week later I could bend and maneuver better w/out much pain at all.

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

My hospital was only 5 minutes from my home which was great considering I was in there 3 times and went to the E.R. 3 times. Was easier on my friends and family too being so close.

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.

Pretty much the first 2 weeks I did liquids, including Designer Protein drink. I have problems with most breads, unless they are toasted. Crackers and crunchy things go down easier. I have problems with chicken. Otherwise I have been pretty good. I try things here and there, I was told I could try anything at this point. I have been more tolerant as far as my eating habits. I don't eat fast anymore and I don't eat in front of the t.v. I try to do alot of protein, seems more filling. I still throw up sometimes but not as much as in the beginning. I always know it is because I eat too fast or I mix a bread/carb in with my meal and my body doesn't accept that.

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

I was very tired so I pretty much just walked a little whenever I felt good. Due to my having to do IV antibiotics at home for 3-1/2 weeks my schedule was messed up so I slept alot. I would say I just walked.

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

I take a multi vitamin (dr. prescribed pre-natal vitamins because he said they are healthier for me), iron, B-12, Prevacid (for acid) and acidophilus (to prevent infections).

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?

Had nausea and vomiting for a month due to my complications, as well as sleep disturbance. Never dumped and so far (13 weeks) post op my hair has not fallen out too much. That is my biggest fear. I am coping very well so far, haven't freaked out yet.

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

For me it was the pain of moving the first week. If you can get past that it is clear sailing. And the swallow study was very gross, I almost vomited that stuff I had to drink.

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

Morristown Memorial has a support group every second Tuesday of the month. It is great to hear everyone elses stories/struggles/ achievements. It is very helpful to just talk amongst people who have gone through or are going through the same experience.

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

I have 5 small incisions all below my belly button. Two of them are really red but I am told in time they will fade. They are not bad at all. I show anyone who wants to see who is considering this surgery. Laparoscopic is the way to go! Update 5/10/02 - Scars barely visible!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost 70 lbs. in the last 13 weeks. That is alot but it is slowing down now. I have to start exercising to get my metabolism going. Problem is getting started! Update 5/10/02 -------------- Have plateaued now, need to exercise and focus on more protein and less carbs!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people are responding to me better because I am much happier and it shows. My energy level is very high, I walk faster, I dress nicer and I just feel great! People notice that right away. A couple of guys at work even flirt with me now, that is a first!