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

I saw an article or something, got some information and saw the huge scar when they were not doing laproscopic at the time, this was back in 1998 (I think). When I received the information it totally scared the hell out of me and I knew I could not do something that drastic to my body plus I fel the risks were too high.

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

It was a piece of cake. My surgeon and the hospital are part of my UHC network. That was the first thing I did, call my insurance and find out if my surgeon was in their network. The second thing I did was set up an appointment to see the surgeon. Valley Surgical Center sent me their criteria with the flyer regarding the mandatory seminar everyone has to attend. Included with the flyer was a checklist of bariatric surgery referral needed for the initial consultation with the surgeon. 1. Recent history & physical from your primary physician. The letter should include their recommendation that your are an appropriate bariatric referra. 2. Lab Work: TSH level. If you are diabetic, need recent HgbA1c result. If you have history of hepatitis, need a copy of liver panel results drawn within the last year. 3. Psychological Evaluation. 4. Nutrional Counseling & Education. Need documentation if currently receiving ongoing dietary education. 5. Weight Management Program. For HMO referrals, you have to be participating in a Sante approved providers weight management program or have already completed a Sante-approved program. 6. For Women, copy of pelvic examination and pap smear results within the last year. Copy of last mammogram, if over 50 years of age or if family history of breast cancer is present. IF YOU ARE FIFTY YEARS OR OLDER, THESE ADDITIONAL TESTS AND PROCEDURES ARE REQUIRED: 7. Tests: 12 Lead EKG. 8. For Men, copy of rectal examination and PSA result, if over 50 years of age or if family history of colon or prostate cancer is present. 9. Cardiac Evaluation, if over 50 years of age or if medicl history indicates. Need cardiologst to verify your are an apporpriate surgical candidate and not at cardiac risk for undergoing anesthesia and surgery. ADDITIONAL CONSULTS: After your initial consulation by the Bariatric surgical team, additional consulations may be requested pending your medical psychosocial history. These consults may include work-up for sleep apnea, gastrointestinal disease and other medical conditions. Your insurance company may also require additional consultations, tests and procedures to meet its patioent selection guidelines for the surgery.

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

Wonderful. My surgeon seems very gentle but confident, he exudes an excellent bedside manner and answered all my questions. Write down all your questions and be honest.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt miserable, everything ached. High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, on my way to Diabetes, knee hurt, short winded, appearance sucked. I felt like my body was slowly dying and I wanted to die with it. I had no choice, I felt I had nothing to lose and knew I was slowly and surely deteriorating.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went in to see my hairdresser and could hear her voice but had no clue where she was until she turned around and blew me away. She was probably pushing 350lbs but I hadn't seen her in over a year so when I decided it was time to highlight my hair I went to her. She told me she had laproscopic surgery and she explained the five little incisions and how well she was doing and felt. I was open to laproscopic surgery.

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 was extremely nervous about the risks involved. I knew I had to do this what other choice did I have? I felt like I was dying anyway. I got my "Living Trust" in order, got the life insurance policy out, spoke with my kids and told them how much I loved them and that I needed to do this. Also you may consider getting mortgage disability insurance so that your house payment can be paid while on disability. Consider making a video to your family (I know this is drastic but you never know). I knew God was with me entirely because everything just fell into place. I am a very blessed person. From the moment I decided to have the surgery everything went smoothly, I ran into absolutely no snags whatsoever. I know in my heart God knew this was the solution for me. My life is so much better. I am glad I did this. The key is prayer and a very positive and tranquil attitude and demeanor.

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 husband and daughter were very scared and didn't want me to do it. My mother and sister and aunt and father in law seemed pretty supportive. They continue to be very supportive. I would like to say to people to thoroughly check out your surgeon, board certified? where he/she studied? His/Her credentials. All the important things, also visit the hospital and check out the staff.

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

I only told my supervisor I was having surgery. I kept the type of surgery personal. I estimate I will be out 4 weeks to 8 weeks possibly more or less.

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

The staff was wonderful. I went in for surgery Monday and left Wednesday morning. (2 nights) I brought personal hygeine stuff, CHAPSTICK, TOWEL (VERY IMPORTANT),toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, hair brush. Slippers and change of clothes.

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

No. A little nausea from anesthesia, but the nurses give you somehting.

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 great. No anxiety, lots of energy. Every now and then my stomach burns but not very much (the slight burn tells me I'm full).

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

The first few days, I slept alot. I made myself get up, walk around, sipped a lot of broth, it was very soothing. Sugar Free Strawberry Jell-O was nice. Gatorade Pink Lemonade with crushed ice (diluted) was very smooth.

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

approximately 70 miles. My husband drives me.

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.

Liquids first week and a half till post op appointment. Next two weeks soft foods, then on to vegetables and other things. Have not experienced dumping syndrome or any vomiting. Had loose bowel twice.

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

Very good. My depression seems to be less.

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

2 multivitamins, B12, Calcium Supplements

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 on occasion, initially could not sleep, now I sleep very well, no hair loss at the moment and no dumping or vomiting.

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

Fear of the unexpected and anesthesia

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

I haven't joined one yet since it is 70 miles away and am unable to drive at the moment but plan to. I think it's incredibly important to meet with people in your similar situation and share ideas, thoughts and feelings.

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

Little scars, nothing major. Exactly what I was expecting.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've lost a total of 31lbs in three weeks since my surgery.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No.