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

I saw a show (20/20?) with Dr Fobi about 3-4 years ago that talked about weight loss surgery. I thought it was an extremely desperate way to lose weight. I couldn't imagine having it done. I didn't really seriously consider the surgery until Carnie Wilson had her surgery.

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

I didn't have much difficulty getting approval for surgery. I think the thing that helped me get approval, was that my surgeon had me make a complete list of my attempts at losing weight in the past. I had a chronology of 20 years of everything from Nutri System, to Weight Watchers, to health club memberships to Redux and Xenical. I had tried everything-- surgery was a last resort. Insurance companies want to know that you are not trying for the "easy" (?) way out with surgery.

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

By the time I met with the surgeon I had already spent 5 months in research (mostly on this web sight THANKS) I knew the info already, but he did have me watch a video (With Dr Fobi) and gave me a great informational booklet for me to study.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Weighing 340 pounds made me decide to have surgery. I had gained 50 pounds after the birth of my son and I knew something drastic had to be done. I didn't want him to be ashamed of me and I didn't want to have the health problems that are associated with obesity. I was 40 years old and felt like an old lady.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I reseached on this web sight and talked with other people who had had the surgery. I was initally referred to a surgeon who did the VBG, and after researching that surgery, I asked to be re-referred to a RNY surgeon. I didn't want to have to revise my surgery to a RNY 4-5 years down the road. Dr Otteman did the open RNY with a Fobi pouch. I had a "distal" because that was what he recommended because my BMI was over 50. I would have liked to have a laproscopic procedure, but my surgeon didn't perform a lap. I didn't want to travel out of state for surgery.

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?

Of course I had fears of dying. I wasn't afraid of dying because I am a Christian and I have trusted Christ as my Savior. I didn't want to leave my young son without a mother. I looked logically at the statistics of death in surgery, and realized that living life at 340 pounds was more of a risk than surgery. I'm glad I didn't see the "Weight Loss Memorial" on this sight until AFTER I had surgery. I think people have to weigh the benefits of health with the risks of dying.

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 wrote a letter to my friends and family explaining my decision and reasons for surgery. I didn't give it to them until just days before surgery. I didn't want anyone to try to talk me out of it. My husband was the only one who knew for months that I was contemplating surgery. My husband didn't tell my mother until after I had surgery. Everyone has been supportive except an overweight co-worker (sour grapes)

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

I gave my employer a letter explaining my surgery. He was supportive (I was shocked) I was only out of work for 2 weeks.

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

My stay in the hospital was nice. I was in a small hospital called Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft Collins, CO. I had my surgery on a Tues and went home on Friday. I didn't bring much with me, and didn't need much. They let me wear my nightshirt (big long t-shirt)rather than a hospital gown. It was more comfortable.

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

No real complications. My asthma was a problem, but was treated with albuterol treatments every 4 hrs.

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 received my surgery date at my initial dr consultation. I was in a state of panic for a month until I knew that my insurance company had given approval for surgery. I coped with prayer and talking with others in my support group, Healthy Spirits.

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

I was tired most of the time because I didn't sleep well. I couldn't get comfortable anywhere. I bounced from recliner to the couch to my bed for the first month, then I started sleeping better. I went back to work 2 weeks post op. I felt better with the more activity I did. It was hard laying around watching tv-- the commercials about food are particularly depressing. Right after surgery, you don't feel like you'll ever be normal or eat normally again.

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

I had to travel about 70 miles to have surgery. I couldn't find a surgeon in the Denver Metro area who was on my insurance doing the RNY. It's hard to believe what a shortage of bariatric surgeons we have here in this state considering our population. It is common for people here to be on waiting lists for months. My after care is a little inconvenient. An hr and 15 minute drive each way to see the surgeon. He is great about his after care!

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 3 months post op I can eat just about anything. I don't do well with heavy, dry meats (pork chops, steak or chicken) I miss my Coca-cola a LOT!!!!!!!! I think I was lactose intolerant for a couple of months (took Lactaid) but that seems to be gone now. My biggest problem is eating too quickly. If I eat too quickly or too much, I throw up.

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

I attend a support group in Denver called Healthy Spirits. It has been EXTREMELY helpful both pre-op and post op. I don't know how a person could make it without some support. My surgeon also has a support group, but I have not gone to it due to the distance to the meeting.

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

My scar is about 8 inches long. I didn't realize that the staples would leave marks too. My scar is slighly crooked, but I don't care. No one but my husband sees it. What bothers me more is all the hanging skin I have on my upper arms. (YUCK) Is that why they call them bat wings?

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost weight each week. Some weeks 5-6 lbs and some weeks only 1. My first "plateau" was at 6 weeks. I didn't understand how I could eat so little and only lose 1 measly pound. The next weeks I lost 5. I would recommend that people do not weigh themselves every day. I get a bit "OBSESSIVE" when I do.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have only lost 60 lbs so far, so most people don't notice yet. I am eagerly awaiting some different treatment. My cranky envious co-worker is starting to worry (I think) that soon I will weigh less than her.