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

Over the past couple of years I have read magazine articles, seen tv shows talk briefly about it and worked with people who have had it done. With all of these combined I finally came to the conclusion that it was time to take steps to improve my life.

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

My experience on getting approval for the surgery was all right. I called my insurance company a few times to check on the process and to see how things were moving. Come to find out they had not received my paperwork. I then had to call my doctor's office and once the paperwork was faxed over to the insurance company I was approved a few days later. The waiting was the hardest part.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was great. She is very informative and cares about what her patients have to say and she makes sure they fully understand what the surgery can and can't do. She takes the time to review the procedure with her patients and makes sure they understand what she is explaining. To get the most out of this appointment a patient should make a defined list of questions that he/she would like to ask. It should be any questions. Nothing is a stupid question and no one should be afraid to ask any question. That is what the doctor is there for. Be honest and open with the doctor. Make sure you are 100% comfortable in understanding the process and procedure. Ask Questions!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being unahppy, unhealthy, and fat. I had decided that trying every pill and diet was no longer an option. Although the surgery is a decision not made lightly I knew there was no other option for me. I did extensive research, attended classes, and talked with many people regarding the surgery. When it finally came down to the decision it was all mine and no one elses. I wanted my friends and family to accept the idea but it was not going to affect my decision either way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor performs all of her surgeries by lap. These are 5-6 little incisions instead of the open which is one long cut. I decided on the lap because of the healing time and overall healing. I did not want to chance getting an infection as did a friend of mine. I wanted a less evasive procedure and one that would allow me to be on my feet sooner.

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?

Of course I had fears. But until the day of surgery those fears were not as evident. It was not until I laid down on the table and they were about to put me to sleep that I started thinking REALLY hard about dying etc. But to be honest I had made my peace with the complications part of the surgery long before getting it done. In my honest opinion that longer I stayed overeweight I stayed at risk for dying anyway. Nevermind all of the other complications that come along with obesity. Blood pressure, sugar, heart, etc. Everyone WILL have fears. Fear is a part of everyday life. Just admit those fears. Talk about them. Know your facts. Understand what you can do to alleviate those fears. Personally I prayed a lot and asked for the support of friends and family!

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 friends and family were against me having the surgery. They felt as if there should be one more pill or one more diet or one more exercise program that I should and could do. They were convinced that it was not the thing for me to do. But again that was not a factor in my decision. I took the time to explain the surgery and complications and benefits to them all. I told them that I valued their opinions and thoughts and that even though I loved them all I loved myself so much that I could not take one more minute of being unhealthy. I hated the fact that they were so uncomfortable about the surgery however when it came right down to it they ALL respected my decision and loved me for the determination I put forth.

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

Stunned. She had the same thoughts and feelings as my family and friends. There just had to be something else I could do. I told her that I was having this surgery to improve my overall health and that I would appreciate her support regarding the time I would need to be out of work and that I would appreciate her letting others know of my progress. I was out of work for exactly 4 weeks.

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

My hospital stay was all right. The nurses were all nice however there were times when I had to continually remind some of them to do certain things. Since I was sharing a room with a roommate we both used the same restroom etc. Therefore things like making sure they changed our potty measurements were changed from mine to hers and vice versa were important. I was in the hospital for 3 nights and 4 days. The most important things to bring were slippers,underwear, tooth brush, toothpaste, deodarant, hair brush, and something to put your hair up with. Some many of the people on my floor that had my surgery brought clothes, robes, socks, etc. Believe you will not be worrying about putting on a robe or socks or any other clothes until you go home. You are too busy trying to learn to eat and drink and not worrying about how you look.

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

I have never had a problem with sugar, blood, or pressure (pressure issues during pregnancy only)however after surgery I had to receive some insulin shots, some blood pressure medication, and my hemoglobin was low so I had to stay an extra day. Also, we found out that I am allergic to morphine. For the first day I was really ill in my stomach and felt like a zombie. Once they swithced me to demerol I did just fine. I dealt with all of these bascially one by one and the doctors and nurses were most helpful.

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 felt like a weight had been lifted off of me. I felt like I had been waiting my whole life just to hear you are now approved to do something that will change your life forever. I had wondered what I would do now? What would I say to others? How would I deal with the upcoming classes etc. that I would have to attend? I just listened to my instincts and prayed tremendously. I felt that if this was meant to be it will happen and nothing will stand in the way. There is a reason I was approved. Aside form the physical changes it would accomplish it was also change me emotionally. I relied a lot of family and friends. Sometimes even people I did not know all that well. I just believed that everything would work out and thus far it has.

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

My first few weeks home were a little tougher than I thought they would be. The first 3 days I was in a little bit of pain. The thing is since you are on pain killers it is tough to know how you are really feeling. I stopped taking mine as often after those first 3 days. I was taking 1-2 percocets every 4-6 hours. I cut it down to 1 twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening. That way I could feel somewhat normal during my awake hours. I stopped taking the pain killers all together about 6 days after being home. I also had trouble getting comfortable especially in the bed. I could not stretch out comfortably. I just wanted to lay in the fetal position or sitting up while sleeping. So I borrowed a friends recliner that did a little bit of both. I used it for about the first month I was home. It was the best thing I ever did! I didn't sleep in it every single night but I would switch off. Bed then recliner and vice versa. Since I could not walk very fast in the first week or so I walked around my house inside and out as much as I could. Then exactly one week after surgery I was walking a mile each day. I started to feel much better once I could walk. Plus with it being cold outside you are motivated to walk further and faster so you don't get real cold. I was on liquids in the beginning. I would drink Crystal Light and water mostly. Then for my "meals" I would take one pack of No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast and mix it with 8 oz. of skim milk and half of 1/3 pack of non fat dry milk together in a blender and mix it up. I would drink those at least 3-4 times a day to get in my protein. I thought I would get sick of drinking that stuff but I still do at times. You should expect to feel tired, sleepy, worn out, like a zombie. But that will improve. You should feel frustrated by the lack of food and drink you are getting in because it is hard to do so. You may have feelings of why did I do this? Why am I sad? These will pass too. You will have feelings of uncertainty. This will pass as well. Just focus on getting better and healthier and you will do just fine.

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

Less than 5 miles away from home. I am luck I have to of the best hospitals in Virginia right within a 10 mile radius of my house.

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 could not and still can not eat angel hair pasta. It is impossible for me to chew the noodles up well enough for my new pouch. Tomatoes and orange juice are tough to consume as well. Any acidic foods/drinks are tough on my new pouch. Fruits are hard to eat especially if they have the skins on them. They are tough to digest. Of course all foods that are fried are off limits. Any candies and sweets are off limits unless they are no sugar added or low fat are not acceptable either. My dietary tolerance has changed from week to week pretty well. I can handle some heavier foods such as fish and bread (which I have had 3 times since surgery). I can eat a whole 8 oz. yogurt but can not eat 8 oz. of food. (Strange to me!)

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

My activity level was very slow at a snails pace in the first few days and weeks following surgery. Then as time went by I got better. I am walking about 2 1/2 miles a day (most days) and am parking further away when shopping or working so that I have further to walk now. I was very tired and worn out but can do much more now. The strength comes from working hard at exercising and getting out there every day and not giving up. There are times when I am tired still and don't want to walk. But I have to make myself and once I day I am very glad I did. It makes me feel so much better.

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

Each day I consume: 2 Flintstones Complete Multi Vitamins (1x morning 1x night) 1 Sublingual pill for vitamin B12 (each day) 1 Cod Liver Oil pill for vitamins A&D (each day) 1 Aspirin each morning (avoid blood clots) 1 Zantac (prescription) 1x before bedtime (to alleviate tummy irritation) I also try to drink at least 2 8 oz. cups of skim milk each day

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?

Nausea occurs when I eat or drink something too fast and my new pouch can't take it. I still vomit when I eat too much of something or I eat something that my new pouch does not like. As for sleeping disturbances I still have some trouble sleeping at this point from te sleep apnea but I use Tylenol PM for the nights when it gets really unbearable and I really need sleep. Tylenol PM is not addictive and also helps alleviate pain. Dumping has not been a real problem for me. I am just now starting to experience some hair loss but not enough to concern me a great deal at this point. Since the first 6-10 days are most important as far as getting in protein you need to make sure to do so.

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

Mine I think is the best especially since others I have talked to are horrible! For the first 90 days with my doctor's office you are considered post op and do not have to pay any co-payments. This includes calling them, being seen by them, etc. For the almost 2 months I was seen every two weeks. During these appointments I was given food upgrades (3), weighed, and talk about anythings I want to talk about regarding my healing, how I am feeling, eating and drinking habits, etc. My 3 food upgrades consisted of the following: 1) soft foods: oatmeal, mashed potatoes, etc. 2) baked potato, yogurt, etc. 3) I am now able to try any foods I want within the dietary guidelines low fat, non fat, no sugar added, etc. Now I am to the point where I am seen every 6 weeks. No more food upgrades but I will be weighed and will discuss my progress and voice any questions or concerns that I may have.

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

I have 7 small incisions. 6 for the surgery and 1 for gall bladder removal. I had a gallstone. Your gall bladder is typically removed if you have any stones to avoid a future surgery. They are starting to look like little bruises now instead of scars. They are healing very nicely. I did expect that I would have these scars but I thought that they would be bigger and around longer. The only issue I had with these is my body rejected the stitches that usually dissolve on the inside so my incisions at one time or another have opened up just enough for the stitch to come out. No big deal and I always knew when it was happening so there were no surprises. If this does happen they are easy to take care of. Here is the nitty gritty for the care if this should happen to you. Supplies: gauze pads (small squares) tape (medical) bandaids If you incisions start to open up they may have some puss in them or bleed some. When you get into the shower you can should do 2 things. 1) express the puss and blood out of them gently and let warm water run over them or 2)if not bleeding/pussing much at all cover them with a bandaid which will hold long enough for you to shower. Do not scrub over the incision area. Just let warm water flow over them. Once you are done remove the bandaids, pat dry the incision areas, and then place a gauze strip over them and 1-2 pieces of tape should be enough to hold the gauze on. This does a couple of things. First it protects the incision from getting debris like dirt etc. in them which could cause infection etc. The second thing it does is protects your clothes from the blood and puss.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I sometimes think I should be losing weight faster. I have committed to weighing myself once a week each Friday. Sometimes I will lose about a pound a day and then other times I will only lose 3 pounds in a week. I know that I just have to buckle down and exercise more and avoid eating breads and high fat foods. For example since I can not stand the taste of fat free cheese I eat regular cheese or cheese with 2% milk in it. Well that could be a reason for the weight loss slowing down. I have not experienced any great plateaus as of yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes sadly I do. People who would have not even said much of anything to me before and speaking to me now and saying how nice I look etc. To be honest the way people are now does not matter to me. I didn't do this for them. It is nice to know that this is MY decision and MY success not theirs. They can never say I did this for her. It is all me!