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

I would hear of someone who knew someone who had the surgery. I knew of a gal who had the surgery and had done well. As I said earlier, I didn't really consider until my doctor mentioned it and I began to research the surgery online.

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 really have a problem getting approved. I had met all the criteria for the surgery to be considered medically necessary. The hospital was in network for my insurance plan, however the surgeon is not. So if someone is having problems with their insurance company I really couldn't tell them much except to keep fighting for approval. It seems lately in the news that the insurance companies are denying more people the surgery due to the complications caused by alot of untrained surgeons who are doing the surgeries now.

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

I had actually been scheduled to see one surgeon but a different doctor came in. He offered to leave and let the other guy see me but I said no, that he'd do...:) I have never regretted that decision. He is phenomenal. To get the most out of the consultation, people must ask any question they can think of or voice any concerns or fears they may have. These doctors are highly trained, skilled and experienced and can answer any question you have. Do not be afraid to ask what you might think is a stupid question. There are no stupid questions, every question you ask and the answer you receive makes you more aware of what you are entering into.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I needed this surgery to help me control behaviour that was uncontrollable before.

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 did fear dying, it's a natural reaction to major surgery. I feared post op pneumonia as I was a smoker. I feared I would have a stroke or heart attack on the table. I feared I would not wake up from anesthesia. These are fears most people have when undergoing major surgery. I also feared the surgery wouldn't work for me. I was wrong. I would tell other people to help alleviate these fears is to get as healthy as you can prior to surgery and do what the surgeon requests prior to surgery. Those things for me were to quit smoking, see and get cleared by a cardiologist and see a psychologist. I didn't need the sleep study as I already had that and was being treated for sleep apnea. When you get all these things done, then you are going into surgery in a better state of health and the chances of complications decrease.

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?

One family member was against the surgery. She felt I was "weak" and all I needed to do was diet and excercise. Honestly, if it was that easy then no one would be heavy. (and she has a few pounds herself to lose...) My friends and coworkers were supportive but concerned, too. After I had the surgery they were relieved that I came through okay and are extremely supportive of me.

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

My employer was very supportive and very interested in what I was about to do. I explained my health was now at risk and that I felt that if I didn't do this surgery I would become very sick and that would make me an unproductive employee. I was out of work for 4 weeks. I was able to go back at that time because I basically have a sedentary job that requires no lifting. My doctor had some reservations and explained that dehydration was a risk and that sometimes people just forget to eat. I assured him that I would follow the diet and fluid protocols to a "T". And I did. I have had no problems re-adjusting to my work schedule and keeping up the food plan.

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

My stay at BTC was wonderful. Everyone was so kind and caring but they also pushed me to breathe, walk and take in fluids. I rarely had to ask for pain medication after the PCA pump was discontinued. They always offered pain med when they checked on me. I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was discharged on Friday morning. I was excited but nervous about the 2 1/2 hr drive home but everything went fine. I had brought just about everything I thought I'd need but used little of. I slept alot and when I wasn't sleeping, I'd walk. I had brought a couple of magazines and a book but didn't read them. Too tired and the pain pills made me sleepy.

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 excited and scared. I knew this was a MAJOR surgery and being a nurse I also knew that things could go wrong. In coping with my anxiety, I prayed alot and talked to my coworkers. I had great faith in my surgeon and his team and asked to be "doped" up right before surgery so I wouldn't make a fool out of myself and walk out the door. They were great about that...:)

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

The first night home was the worst. I had been told that my body would "let loose" of all the IV fluids I had been given. I even gained 8 lbs of fluid while in the hospital! Several hours after getting home I started with diarrhea. I thought it would settle down but it didn't and I had to send my husband to an all night store to get me some Imodium. I was pretty miserable and I told myself if it didn't settle down by morning I would call the doctor. Fortunately it did. That first night and the next day I was weepy and doubting my decision to do the surgery. After that I kept feeling better and better every day and I have not regretted it since.

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

The hospital is approximately 143 miles from my home. It hasn't affected my aftercare. I don't mind the trip, it's an easy drive.

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.

The first week was clear liquids, which was the worst. I really can't look at sugar-free jello or chicken broth without gagging. After the first week, I went to full liquids and that was much better. I did full liquids for two weeks then on to pureed foods for two weeks. Soft foods for one week was pure heaven and then to regular foods. I have been able to tolerate all foods. I do not eat sugar or foods high in sugar. My blood sugars have been normal since about 10 days post op. I guess I am lucky as some people do have problems.

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

The first week was a low activity level. I was sore and tired so I didn't get into a walking regimen at first. Then as the soreness and fatique started to go away I became more active. It was wonderful to lay down flat for the first time after surgery. That happened about 6 days post op. Up to then I slept on the recliner which didn't help my lower back but I had to. Now I am almost two months post op and I have tons of energy!

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

I take chewable vitamins twice a day and protein supplement.

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 have had no side effects except for intestinal gas when I re-introduced milk into my diet. That eventually stopped.

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

I'd say my first night home and the diarrhea I experienced was the worst. I never thought I'd ever get out of the bathroom again and have a normal life. But it ended and my life is 100 times better than it was before surgery.

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

I am not in an aftercare program due to the distance between me and the hospital. I do have a friend who had the surgery and we talk alot. It is helpful when it's after hours and I need to ask a question. I have access to the personnel and dieticians at the bariatric center. It's important to ask questions and clarify things that are confusing or unknown so that you don't make a mistake and eat or drink something you shouldn't. I was confused about the sugar alcohols at one time but not any longer.

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

My scar is very thin and well healed. It is a little longer than I expected but I don't mind. Just another battle scar in life...:) Goes along with previous surgery for gall bladder removal and pregnancy stretch marks.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had one plateau about 5 weeks post op. It lasted about two weeks and then I began losing again. Although frustrating, I knew it would eventually pass.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I treat me differently now...:) I am more confident in myself. All of my friends and family have always treated me well. They liked me anyways. I was the one who had a problem with how I felt and looked. I would make endless jokes about myself and they would tell me to stop....but laughing and insulting myself prevented other people from doing those things to me. I made fun of me first...lol.