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

A surgeon at our hospital was trained to do it. I thought that was something that I would never have done.

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

I had my psych eval, nutrition eval and saw the surgeon. The orthopedic surgeon did a consult because of my hip and ankle and recommended drastic weight loss. And I had been treated for sleep apnea, hypertension, and most recently diabetes. So all that was in my medical record. My surgeon wrote the letter and the approval came back in about 5 weeks.

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

He explained the risk and benefits to me. He drew a picture of how the procedure would be done. He told me what to expect with eating patterns after surgery and how important exercise and water was. We spent about an hour talking about it and I had done my homework so I had a few questions for him. It was a very positive meeting.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I saw two of my friends do well and lose weight. And that is what I wanted more than anything my whole life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

From what I ready, the roux-n-y procedure seemed to be the gold standard. And that is what my surgeon does and he adds the silastic band to the bottom of the pouch to keep it from emptying too quickly.

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 really didn't have any fears. I know that God had led me to that point for a reason and I just trusted in HIM to see me through it and guide my surgeon and health care team. I didn't want to die because I would hate to see my husband and children and grandchildren go through that hurt.

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?

Everyone was every supportive. My husband did not push me,or encourage me. He just wanted me to do what I thought would help me.

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

They were very supportive and I told them the truth. They could look at me and tell I needed to have it done. I had lots of sick time so I took off 6 weeks as my surgeon didn't want me to do any lifting for that time and I am a nurse, and we do a lot of lifting.

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

The first day, I don't even remember except someone told me I did fine. I think it was my surgeon. I had a PCA pump for pain and I used it. That night I got up for an hour and slept in the chair but at least I got up. The next day (2) was rough. No nausea or vomiting but my tummy hurt. The clear liquids were great, taking sips. Day 3, my IV came out and my catheter came out and I took a shower. Wonderful. Walked the halls several times. My doctors said I could go home on day 4, but I wanted another day to recouperate so he let me stay. I had the surgery on Friday and went home on Tuesday. I brought my gowns, robe, panties and slippers, and personal toiletries. Too sleepy to read.

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

None at all.

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 got my approval the 1st of December and had surgery on Jan 16. That was a very long 6 weeks. It seemed like an eternity and it would never get here, then all of a sudden, I was eating my last big meal and packing my suitcase. It was very exciting to me.

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

I was glad to be home, and eager for the soreness to go away. I had no problems with taking liquids and even soft foods. I was a little depressed because I am used to being very active and working, and I didn't like having to sit home, waiting for my body to heal. "The mind was willing, but the body was weak."

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

In my home town. I live 3 miles from the hospital. Couldn't ask for anything better.

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.

I ate a lot of soup the first two weeks. Also ate grits and instant oatmeal. Yummy. Stayed away from bread as it filled me up and didn't go down well. I couldn't tolerate diet drinks until after the 3rd month. Now, I only sip on one sparingly. I have had no food intolerances. After three months, I even tested the waters with a cookie with no ill effects. My only problems came when I ate too fast and things didn't go down the way they should. So I would have to throw it up. That has only happened about 6 times in 4 months/

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

Very sedentary for the first few weeks. AFter 4 weeks, I felt a little better, but my knee was bothering me really bad so I didn't walk. At 6 weeks, I joined Curves and have tried to go 3 times a week. It has been a real help.

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

When I went home, I took two chewable vitamins and 2 calcium tablets each day. Month three, I started real vitamins from BariBlend and I think they are very good - specially formulated by a bariatric surgeon for bariatric patients. I just could not handle the protein drinks. Yuck.

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?

So far, I have had non of what you mentioned except vomiting when I ate too quickly. And once the food comes up, you are fine and ready to eat a little more.

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

Waiting for the surgery.

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

I started our own Bariatric Support Group in town and it has been well attended. We are having our 3rd meeting this month.

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

It does from below my sternum to my umbilicus. It is very red and itches, but healed well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 35 lbs, I had a two week plateau and now at 70 lbs, I have not lost in 1 1/2 weeks. But I was told to expect that. Your body has to catch up with the weight loss. But I still continued to loose inches. In fact, last month alone I lost 23 lbs and 22 inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. Everyone seems to be happy that I am loosing weight and they tell me how good I am looking.