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

I had heard about Carnie Wilson, and saw a commercial about BTC. I started to research on the web and found a wonderful web site by a girl close to my age who had an open rny. Soon after that I got a job with WONDERFUL insurance and I really pursued it. My family was pretty much against it with the whole "go on a diet" routine, but I know that my health was going down the toilet and this was my last chance.

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

Well, after my consult I had my sugeon's office fax the paper work over on a Wednesday and I knew the following Monday that I was approved. I was lucky in that aspect. I did however, have to call on Thursday to have them re-fax it since the insurance company didn't receive it, or so they say. KEEP ON THEM.

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

I had read about my surgeon on obesityhelp.com as well as his web site. I thought he was wonderful! He was very clear about risks as well as benefits and I felt that he cared about me as a person, not just a patient. I trusted him with my life, and he gave me a new one! I love you, Dr. Wood! :)

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Well, some people might say their final push towards surgery was some health problem. Mine was that I was too fat to buy 28's at Lane Bryant. What are you supposed to wear when you're too fat to shop at the fat store? I think that week after I realized that I needed to be on psychiatric medication. I was BEYOND depressed. I think I just realized how fast I was killing myself and decided to do something about it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Wood only offers two procedures and I thought the RNY was more permanent than the lap band and I wanted something that would restrict my portions forever since that was my major downfall.

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 never got nervous until two days before sugery. I said my prayers and the day of surgery they couldn't get me out fast enough! lol I just rationalized it. Do I want to die fat and miserable at 30 or possibly die trying to get myself a new life? New life.

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

Another woman I worked with had the surgery one year prior to me and she had lost 150 pounds. My boss was fairly supportive and approved my time off with no problem. I straight out said I was having weight loss surgery to improve my quality of life. I was out of work for about 3.5 weeks. I then worked part time the first week I was back.

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

My hospital stay was good as to be expected after being sliced and diced. lol I was there from Thursday to Sunday. My nurses, with the exception of one Nazi IV tech, were wonderful. They never complained when you complained. They helped me in the bathroom, and they were more than willing to come fluff my pillows or to help me around the hall. True angels. I brought a huge backpack of stuff, but most of the time I slept or watched tv. I couldn't read, too dopey. A nice lady who left the day I had surgery left me her little table fan...a true God send. I also needed Chapstick like you don't even know (thanks Mom). They provided me with bathroom stuff, but I'm glad I brought my own shampoo, conditioner, facial scrub, lotion and toothbrush. I also brought a robe and slippers and a list of phone numbers for people I needed to tell I was ok. I also brought my cell phone.

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

I had no surgical complications and according to my surgeon I was "textbook perfect". I did have to go back to the hospital 3 days after I left, for another two days due to severe dehydration....but that was my fault for not drinking almost anything for 3 days.

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 excited. I lived, breathed and thought about surgery 24/7. I think it motivated me to be ready for it mentally.

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

I was hoping I would die the first week and a half. I was miserable, felt like crap and was just basically in pain. It hurt to breath, walk, talk, you name it. I am a wimp, so my pain tolerance isn't up there, but I was in PAIN! The good thing about pain is that you remember it hurt, but you can't relive it, make sense?

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

My surgeon's office is about 10 miles away from my house and the hospital was about 20-25 miles away.

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'm only one month and a bit post op, but so far everything is ok. I can eat pretty much anything. I haven't tried steak yet, and raw veggies make me throw up. Cheese, yogurt, popcicles, chicken, turkey, almonds, crystal lite, protein bars...they are my staples. :)

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

I did NOTHING the first three weeks. By the time I showered in the morning I was ready for a nap. Daily I got better though and was able to do more.

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

I have this HORRIBLE protein junk that I drink along with taking either 3 chewable Bugs Bunny vitamins or two HUGE adult chewable vitamins each day. I'm going to try to find a calcium and an iron supplement too.

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, only 6 weeks out, I have had a little bit of nausea (sp?), lots of sleep disturbance (hurts to turn over still), no hair loss that I've noticed, and no dumping. I have thrown up 3 times, but two because raw veggies and I don't get along yet and once because I ate too much.

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

The worst part was when I had to go back into the hospital because I was dehydrated. It was so bad they couldn't find a vein and poked me over 20 times. I'm deathly afraid of needles so this killed me. Plus, they had to try to get a vein in my groin and my neck. Can we say OWWWWWW!!

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

I go to my surgeon's support group meetings. I have been to one after my surgery (2months out) and two prior to surgery. I think it's nice to go and talk to others and get ideas for protein and such, but I wouldn't say it's imparative...especially since I get a lot of that from this web site.

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

My scar is 7.5 inches long. It's not pretty, but it's a battle wound. I'd rather have a pencil thin scar than be obese and die at 35. You do the math.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am two months out (3/31/02) and I have been on two plateaus already where I haven't lost that week. It evens out in the end though, because the following week I will tend to lose a few extra pounds to make up for it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES! People at work were always friendly, but now they ask me out and make it a point to say hi in the halls instead of the nod and smile routine. Guys tend to be more flirty, and people in general don't treat me quite as much like a disease of society. (ie, no wierd looks like "whos the fat chick" when I go out)