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

My mom had bariatric surgery years ago & I was a bit negative about it - she did well & lost a ton but she had trouble years later & had the surgery reversed - it was medically necessary. I felt that it was a bad thing because hers didn't work forever. Well, years later and much research done, I realize that my mom's situation was unusual and almost never happens. Also, her procedure was much different than what is done today. I have a friend who had a RNY about 2 years ago & I have seen her go thru the current procedure that Dr. Byrne uses and she is doing incredibly well! Debbie - you are an inspiration! Thanks. Because of Debbie's openess and willingness to tell me about her surgery, I became curious and finally decided I might want to pursue this for myself. I now feel that gastric bypass is a God-send!

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

I have Cigna EPO - there was really no trouble getting approved with my co-morbidities. It was just a head game for me since I am not very patient & I had to wait for the paperwork to be processed.

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

My first meeting with Dr. Byrne was great. He is a very kind and to the point person who is very knowledgeable and willing to answer all questions. When I first met him I was very nervous and had just been seen by a phsychologist, and a nutritionist in the hours prior. He made me feel at ease right away. He asked me a few questions, did a quick 'tummy' exam and then he asked if I had any questions. From there we talked a bit more, then he invited me to an open question & answer session with the other 3 patients he had seen that day. We walked down the hall & the meeting began. He was so open and honest - also very supportive. To get the most out of your first visit I would suggest doing some research on your own, even try to find patients who have been to your surgeon, make yourself a list of questions and take them with you. Never feel like a question is dumb - you are the one whose life is on the line & you need to feel comfortable enough with your dr. to ask him/her anything - after all, you are trust this person with your life.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I did not have one defining moment that has led me to this surgery. It has been a build up over time. My "moment"?...Hmmm...I can''t really say there was one moment. I have always hated being overweight and failing at diets, but I would have to say that I didn't consider WLS until I met my friend Deb & she told me all about hers. I was amazed that she would share such personal info with me since we were just becoming friends at the time. It took several weeks of talking about it & then talking with my husband to say I wanted to pursue it. When he supported me - though he was afraid of complications - I knew that it was the right step for me. So, here I am over a year later & waiting for my insurance approval with a surgery date of August 2, 2002.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Actually, I didn't decide on which procedure - that decision is being made by my surgeon - it will be a RNY either open or lap depending on my weight the day of surgery & which way he feels will be best.

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 have had no fears in regards to surgery. I know it will save my 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?

Supportive all of the way.

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

N/A

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

I was in the hospital 3 1/2 days - overall, the stay was good; however I was really ready to go home & my nurse on the last day was a bit non-caring, but I was getting ready to leave so I didn't let it bother me too much. She did cause me to have to wait several extra hours to leave after my discharge papers were done, but hey - I am at home now so I don't care. MUSC is a great facility overall!

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

No complications thus far(2 weeks post-op).

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 happy & anxious to get it over with. I did eat at several restaurants in the week preceeding surgery, but I didn't gain an extra ounce!

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

I am 2 weeks post-op and it has been more difficult than I expected. I did have 3 surgeries in one: hernia repair, Lap Rny, and gall bladder removal so I am not a typical Rny patient. I am incredibly fatigued, I am constipated and I get head hunger, but overall - I am very happy to have had this surgery! I do look forward to the days ahead when I am able to take care of my family & my house again on my own.

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

32 miles. It will not affect my aftercare much at all - it will be relatively easy to get to Dr. Byrne without much notice if need be.

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.

stringy pasta is certain to make me dump, I cannot eat more than 7 to 10 grams of sugar without getting ill, and I have had to learn my limits about exactly how much I am able to eat, but overall the restrictions are hardly noticeable.

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

little activity for a few weeks, but after that it was full throttle.

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

I took Gummy Vits for kids right after surgery, then I took prenatal vitamins for a while, but now I take a gummy type chewable multi-vitamin without calcium in them because I developed kidney stones.

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 only dumped hard 3 or 4 times and it is awful!!!!!!!! I will do whatever it takes to avoid it. On occasion I get a little discomfort, etc that warns me to stop eating, etc and I do it! I had some hair loss but not much and it lasted about 3 to 4 months And has improved tremendously.

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

The waiting and anticipation prior to surgery.

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

7 tiny scars from the laparoscopes - I hardly notice them at all.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I dealt with normal plateaus and the head games that go with them - I would panic badly, but in the end I am at goal within a year, so I survived.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Most definitely!!!! I get more smiles, more respect, and a lot more compliments, etc. I am no longer treated like a "sub-citizen".