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

I found out by seeing stories on television, checking it out on the internet, and atteding free seminars about bariatic surgery. I spent 18 months prior to surgery reading everything I could, meeting and talking to those who have had the surgery, doctors, surgeons, and dieticians. My initial first impression was, "this is truely for those who cannot lose weight in any other way and for those who are really very sick physically." I did not know if I wanted to go this route.

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

My primary care doctor took time to listen to my concerns especially as he had been working with me for years about this issue. Dr.Watson knew I had tried everything. He knew my history and pain with migraines, he was concerned about my blood pressure, my blood sugar, and all the other medical issues I had, so when I asked for a referral for this surgery, he did not hesitate. He spent about a week checking out the surgery I was requesting (LAP RNY) and then he said, "OK and good luck." After his referral, my inusrance approved me in less than two weeks, no questions asked. I would advise anyone who needs approval to work closely with your primary care doctor who knows your history, they can be your best allies.

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

I met with Dr. Chae and he spent a lot of time listening to me. I knew from others that he was a great surgeon and had a lot of success. I had my questions written down so I wouldn't forget any. I would advise anyone to make sure you have all your questions written down. Because my health was in fairly good shape for someone my size, I was very encouraged. I had just completed a physical with my primary care doctor so all this really helped in getting the surgeons approval to go forward with the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready to do something serioulsly about my weight, something that was described to me and presented to me with facts and history to work in the long term. I did not want to die or face a medical emergency that would cause me to be a burden on my family. I wanted to dance, ride bikes with my grandson, cross my legs, buy clothes in "normal" sizes. I was ready to make a life change.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the most successful long term proceedure with as little invasive surgery as possible. I was a good candiate for LAP RNY. Everything I have read, pointed me to this proceedure.

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?

Any surgery has risks. I had the normal fears, I think. I just made sure my surgeon was the best, and that his team was the best. I felt that the worst thing that could happen was I could die, and if I didn't have the surgery, I was surely going to die sooner than I wanted. I talked to a lot of people about 100 of them who had the surgery prior to my surgery date and for the most part, they encouraged me, listened to me, and gave me lots of hope. My circle of friends prayed for me, and on the day of surgery I was surrounded by the love and prayers of my friends and family, and I truely felt this circle of love around me. I am very blessed.

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 family was very supportative as were my friends. I did not tell many of my co-workers. After surgery my family and friends were still very supportative and concerned. They really watched me to make sure I was ok. To this day, they are still concerned but happy for me. I think of I could do it over, I would have told anyone who asked the honest truth, because now most of my co-workers are wondering what I'm doing to lose so much weight. I just don't want to go into details with people who don't really know me all that well.

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

I did not tell my boss the details of my surgery. I just told him, I had to have surgery and that I was taking care of myself. I know he noticed my new eating habits and he is a smart guy, so he probally knows the truth but he is professional and doesn't ask. My company is great about benefits and I have had no negative consequences because of having this surgery. I was out of work for three weeks. I have an office job.

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

The hospital was the University of Colorado Hospital. I was there for three days the first time. Bring mouthwash, lotion, your own shampoo and rinse. Bring comfortable robe and slippers.

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

I had a minor infection. I went home feeling pretty good except for pain in my left shoulder - from the gas, I think. A couple of days later, I was in so much pain, I was crying. I went to the emergency room, they thought I had a blood clot, so they put me in the hospital and started testing. Finally after they were able to get some tests results, they found I had an infection. The infections was not in any of the surgery sites. (It could have been any where I guess.) They pumped me full of antibotics, and I came home a few days later.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

In the weeks after surgery I was exhausted, taking a shower and getting dressed was a major event. I wasn't hungry, and eating such small amounts was hard to do - a tablespoon of food took awhile, once I got to soft foods. I went on line as soon as possible to talk to others who had this surgery and they kept me in good spirits. I had friends over and they too kept me feeling positive.

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

The first few weeks home from the hospital were good. I needed a lot of rest, and I got a lot of rest. I had help around the house, so that was great. Get help if you don't have someone. I was not depressed but anxious about what other people thought. Again going on line to Obesity.com chat room helped me.

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

I did not have to travel very far. The hospital was within 15 miles from my home.

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 few weeks following surgery, I was on liquids and baby like quality foods. No sugar. After about 8 weeks, I could eat a small salad and within 10 weeks, I was eating steak. I could not eat any breads, pasta, milk, or sugar as they made me very sick. Different foods affected me - fied foods made me sick, and still do. As time has passed, I can eat most anything in small portions but sugar and white flour affect me the most, so I avoid them pretty much. I can take a bite of cake, or a bite of a cookie, but can't eat any more than that because I get sick.

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

My activity level in the days and weeks after surgery wasn't much the first weeks. The third week, I was taking walks and going to the store with my husband. I went back to work three weeks following surgery but I took it easy. Within six weeks, I was almost back to normal.

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

I take a prenatal vitamin, B12 sublimal, and calcuim citrate plus vitamin D.

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?

The worst side affect for me was the vomiting. I hate to vomit!!! I watch how much I eat because I hate to vomit. I don't have dumping because I aovid sugar and white flour products. Hair loss is what is happening right now, and I am concerned. I hope it stops soon and I get back what I have lost. I'm not bald and others don't seem to notice but I notice.

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

The complications after the surgery - the doctors tying to get blood test when they couldn't get a vein. The minor infection was taken care of quickly once they could get the blood tests completed. The surgeon had to use a "Central line" to get the blood.

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

WLS support group every two weeks. Doctors, surgeons, nutritionist, and other people who have had the surgery.

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

I have five tiny scars, and the results are better than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had several plateaus lasting two weeks, but then I would lose in the third week. I have averaged about 2 pounds per week since the first four months post surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, a lot of people are asking me what I'm doing to lose weight. I'm getting a lot of compliments. I think I am being noticed more in a positive way vs ignoring or being paid little attention when I talk?