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

A very good friend had DS surgery and was an incredible success. She was open and candid about her experiences before, during, and after her weight loss. Also, because she is a nurse, I trusted her judgement professionally.

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

I had United Healthcare. They were wonderful about paying for all my pre-op testing and gave quick approval to my initial request for surgery. I never even had to make a phone call. They covered everything, the Duodenal Switch (considered experimental at that time,) many days in ICU, re-admission through the ER, and countless specialists that were called in.

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

The staff at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL were simply the best in every way. I was unconscious a good bit of the time, but my family members were there constantly, and friends were SO helpful with everything I needed - I didn't experience a lack of anything.

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

Serious complications during and after surgery. Sleep Apnea and intolerance to narcotics caused me to "code" twice. I don't remember much of it, but it put my family, especially my children, and friends through hell.

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 nervous, but not incapacitated. There were issues with my job and in my personal life that kept me busy and distracted right up until my surgery.

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

I was only home for a few days before being readmitted to the hospital. I had excellent daily home health care nursing for several weeks. I managed to take a shower, talk to my nurses, and make one trip down and back up the stairs every day. It was several weeks before I could do any more than that. Family, friends, my church, and the parents of my students were unbelievably supportive during this time. I returned to my job (VERY light duty) about ten weeks after my surgery.

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

The hospital is a 35 minute drive from my house. No problems.

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.

Liquids, puree', soft, gradual "real foods" one at a time - pretty much the usual. Two years later, I can eat almost anything in small amounts except chicken wings and Chinese Food (those are lethal.) I have noticed a distinct change in my food tastes. I have no appetite for junk foods, snacks, or fast/chain restaurant fare and have become a food "snob." If it's not fresh, preservative-free, and homemade, I don't want it. Believe me when I say it's a change. Before, if it wasn't nailed down, I ate it - the junkier and more processed chemicals, the better. I was a "Twinkie" queen!

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

Gradually better and better. And still improving.

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

High quality multivitamin, B12 1000mcg tablet, and calcium every day - religiously. Sam's Club brands are great - at least according to my labs.

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?

Some nausea - it comes and goes. I take compazine when I need to. Always had sleep problems - no change there, except I don't have sleep apnea anymore. No real dumping with the DS. Hair loss is hard - I don't have a whole lot to start with. My hair dresser is great, she is always trying to find things to help me with it.

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

The positives SO outweigh the negatives. No contest. And I try to always focus on the positive - basic life philosophy, there =).

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

There are very good support groups at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL and a top-notch bariatric liason/patient advocate on staff full time. I haven't attended many of the meetings, but keep in touch on line and through emails.

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

It's a biggie, but getting smaller and fading. I don't have an issue with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Two years out and many plateaus later, I am still losing more than gaining - so it's all good.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

This is my big issue. I can't believe the difference in how people perceive me. I have learned so much about the way obese people are treated, but so much more AFTER my surgery and subsequent weight loss. I had never experienced the world as a "normal" person before, so I didn't realize how bad it really was.It has been an epiphany. I wish I could say that it has made me see people in a brighter light, but, in fact, I think I am more aware of mean things that people say and do to overweight people. Maybe I was blind, (or insulated - HAH!) or just naive before.