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

I have heard about the WLS originally in the 70's. I lost a few friends through this process and consequently, I was absolutely against any and all surgeries. In 2000, I learned about the band and started researching it. The cost was too excessive for my pocketbook and it was not covered by insurance because it was still in the research stage. After the FDA approved the band I learned more about it and was not happy with the results. I started researching the other surgeries and mentioned it to one of my staff. She ran with the ball and had a duadenal switch done within 2 months. Now, I was confused as to my feelings for any surgeries. I started looking at the LAP RNY in 2001, it had the best results, shortest hospital stay and down time. It was at this point that I found Obesityhelp.com and started reading the profiles and the questions and answers to get the real low-down.

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

I had to find a PCP that would refer me, luckily mine did. Unfortunately, my own PPO does not cover this kind of surgery, in fact, it has an exclusionary clause prohibiting it. Thank goodness my husband has a POS insurance and they do approve these surgeries. I did my own follow-up with the insurance at every step to ensure that all info was given and things were moving at a reasonable pace. My advice is to be involved at every stage. Don't give up. Be persistent. Always ask why and what you can do to help the process along.

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

I liked Dr. LaMar immediately. He is warm, friendly and compassionate. He went over the surgery and answered all of my questions. Have questions ready and don't be afraid to ask them, this is your life you are discussing. Have an idea of each of the surgeries and which you think may be best, but don't get pushy and discuss your idea with the surgeon and then listen to his answer and discuss.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live to see my grandchildren graduate from college (ages 7 - 13) and hopefully, dance at their weddings. Since my father died at an early age (35) and both my brothers have had massive heart attacks, it did not bode well for me with my own health problems. One of my medications for diabetes was putting weight on me at the rate of 20 lbs per year. The ONLY answer was to get the excessive weight off and the only way that was going to happen was WLS.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through research. Once I learned all I could about each of the surgeries and recovery periods, I was confident in the fact that LAP RNY was the answer for me. I was out within 24 hours and never required once drop of pain medications. Back to work within 2 weeks.

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 felt that I had to be in control and maintain a positive attitude and that would help me overcome any fears that might crop up. I honestly did not have a fear of dying because I rationalized that if my brother could live through a massive heart attack, triple bypass and later 5 artery replacements, then I would be fine since mine was not that extensive. Foolish to think that way, maybe, but it worked for me. I say to anyone asking that you ABSOLUTELY MUST MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. You did your homework, trust your surgeon and know that this is the right thing for you, then face your fears, say your prayers (any and all help is accepted) and start your new life.

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 daughter was a bit unsure at first, but understood why I felt I had to do this so gave me her full support. My husband and 2 sons were very supportive from the beginning. I was straight up with them about what I was doing and why and wouldn't have done it any other way. I also felt it important to tell them in person and not over the phone. Two of my children live in another state, so my husband and I went there for Thanksgiving and I told them after dinner. My surgery was scheduled for the Tuesday we returned.

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

When I first told my supervisor about the surgery I asked him not to say anything to anyone. We knew they would assume I was having another problem with my stomach because I was in the hospital for a week just a few months prior. I changed my mind the week before I went out on medical leave and told him that I don't want to lie or have him lie. If anyone asks then he can feel free to tell them the truth. My co-workers and superiors were immensely supportive. They were curious and asked questions. I didn't mind because I wanted them to understand why we feel we have to do this. I was out for only 2 weeks, so most people assumed I was on vacation and when they found out they were surprised but I never received one negative comment.

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

I was only in the hospital for 24 hours. I would have to say that my stay was short, but sweet. The staff was wonderful and quite attentive.

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

No complications at all. Yeah.

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 onto the obesityhelp website every day and read all of the questions and answers I could find that related to my feelings. I was excited, but nervous. I talked to my husband about my feelings as well. He listened and offered his support but never once suggested that I not go through with the surgery. He kept reassuring me that I would be fine.

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

The problem I had was that I felt good and forgot that I just had major surgery therefore, couldn't (or shouldn't) expect to do everything I did previously. I went Xmas shopping 2 days after surgery and was surprised when I got some very sharp spasms in my side. That made me slow down and remember what I just went through. Expect to never be hungry, but remember that you have to take your protein no matter what. Use the clock (a contradiction to what we were previously told about eating), and take your protein on time and all of it. Water as well.

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

I didn't really have to travel. My surgeon and hospital are closer to my house than my PCP. Hence, my aftercare was never an issue.

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 2 weeks was strictly water and liquid protein. Then for 2 weeks I went onto a full liquid diet (jello, broth, etc,) next 2 weeks were soft foods (pudding, mashed potato), finally food. Small qty's (2 oz). Tough because I was never hungry (and still don't get "hungry" 7 months later). I am lactose intolerant, cannot eat at fast food restaurants (no fried foods really) and find that I prefer fruits and vegetables rather than meat. Although, I am not vegetarian. I do eat chicken and pork and almost no red meat. Trying foods is the only way to discover what I can tolerate or not and this happens over a period of time.

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

Since I was very active prior to surgery there was no real change after except when I over exerted myself. I walked everyday, but not far. About 3 weeks after surgery I noticed that I was able to do more with less problems. After 6 weeks I started a regular exercise program at my local YMCA and actually found that I enjoyed it. As time goes on, I find I have more energy and enthusiasm for activities. Including walking all over Legoland and Sea World over the July 4th, 2003 weekend without getting tired.

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

I take 2 "gummi" vitamins daily, B-12 twice a week and a Viactive daily. I eat a protein bar a couple times a week to make sure that I am getting enough protein in my system.

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 believe the nausea and vomiting were the worst. I never knew when I was going to have problems with either and had to make sure that I was near a bathroom, even in restaurants. I just kept telling myself that it was a learning experience and make sure I remembered what caused the problem so I can either avoid it in the future or try it in smaller amounts. I still have the problem from time to time because I am sensitive to smells.

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

The waiting. There was so much waiting in between each step. You feel like you are forgottten and no one cares.

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

Actually, I stay in contact with several of my brothers and sisters that had WLS on the same day I did. We lean on each other via e-mail.

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

I have 5 little scars and they are almost gone now. I expected larger and meaner. What a great surprise.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateau regularly, in fact, I have been on one for the last 3 weeks. They are discouraging, but I know that they happen and I will continue to lose weight when my body is ready. This is when I lean on my fellow angels for support and luckily they are there for me and help me get through it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Co-workers - no, they were very supportive and continue to be. They do give me compliments regularly though. Strangers - yes. They smile at me more often and are less inclined to ignore me in a store.