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

My first impression of bariatric surgery is it is too drastic for me. I met a lady that had the banding surgery and had to have it done twice because of complications. I thought that was just too drastic. I felt at that point I could find something to help me lose the weight on my own. I was wrong. I tried and tried numerous diets only to fail everyone of them. Then surgery seemed like the only hope and I didnt consider it to be drastic anymore just necessary!

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

I had BC/BS when I first began and was denied because of not enough diet history. That was in December of 2001. I changed insurance in January to Cigna HMO and re-submitted my request to them. I was denied in February of 2002 for lack of medical necessity. I appealed their decision after getting more documentation and medical history. I won my appeal in May of 2002.The hardest part is the fact that no one will give you an answer about how or what to do for the appeal. I had to just figure it out for myself. No one could tell me anything other than I needed to appeal.

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

My first encounter with Dr Kuhn was at the information seminar. He seemed quiet and shy at first. When I went for my consult he was totally different. He was more talkitive and open. He answered any questions that I had and even encouraged me to come up with more. I never felt rushed or that any question I had was stupid. He was very confident in his abilities and that really made me comforatable with him. He was so positive that this surgery would help me. I had no doubts at all with my choice after that first meeting. The most important thing I should have done but didnt was to write down my questions as I thought of them. It is easy to forget while you are in the office. And remember the only stupid question is the one you were afraid to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have surgery after a trip to an amusment park with my family and some friends. I was waiting to ride a ride with my youngest son and I wouldnt fit in the ride at all. I was so embarrased... not for me but for the people with me. I hated for them to be seen with me the rest of the day. I knew then that I had to do this. I was miserable with my body and it was taking a real toll on my life. I called my PCP the next day and set an appointment for a referral to the surgeon.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research!!! I just weighed out the pro's and con's of each procedure and for me and my situation it was a no brainer. The lap RNY was by far the best choice out there.

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 afraid of dying during surgery but I knew in my heart that I would die at an early age if I didnt have surgery. My mom had a heart attack at age 38 because of her obesity so it was very real to me. I would tell anyone who was afraid of dying during surgery that instead of giving up and living fat I would rather die fighting it! As far as complications, I knew what they were and accepted them as a possibility. There are complications with all medical procedures. I just researched until I found the doctor and facility with the best statistics. And I talked to former patients for the real scoop.

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 was cautious I would say. He didnt want me to do something that in his mind was too drastic and risky. I did my best to inform him of the risks and was just honest with him about how important it was for me not to live like this anymore. I took him with me to the information seminar and it put his mind at ease about the whole thing.Since then he has been totally supportive. I think he is more excited about my weightloss than I am.My friends and the rest of my family have been supportive also. You just have to give them as much information as you can.

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

My hospital stay was uneventful really. I went in on Friday afternoon for surgery at 1pm. I stayed (by my choice) till Sunday morning. I could have gone home on Saturday afternoon but I live quite a distance from the hospital so I stayed. I think the extra day was good for me to get a little more rest. The most important thing to bring would be lip balm and a pillow for the ride home.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 just so ready to have it done I was on cloud nine that it was really going to happen for me!The more information and education you have about the procedure the less anxiety you have.

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

The first week be prepared to be sore and tired. Get as much rest as you can. Get up hourly to walk around and drink,drink,drink! After the first week try to get yourself into the habit of making good food choices and make sure you stay hydrated. Dont push yourself in the begining. The weightloss will pretty much take care of itself.

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

I traveled about an hour from my home(68 miles). It only made the ride home a little more tiring but it wasnt bad.

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 eat cream soups, cottage cheese, sf jello,sf pudding, sf popcicles and just about anything that was creamy or soft. I tried eggs my second week home since I was having no complications whatsoever. That was a big mistake. I couldnt eat them. It was literally painful for me. That wa the only thing I found I couldnt eat. After the first few weeks I found I really didnt tolerate richer or spicer foods very well. I can eat them now in moderation.By 2 months out I could eat just about anything. I found out quite by accident that I dont dump on suger so I really have to watch that. The good thing is I was never much on sweets(except sweet tea)anyway.I stick to my splenda sweetened tea now. I can eat eggs now.

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

I was very tired at first so there wasnt much activity in the first 3 or 4 days at home. I did start driving on the 6th day. I began my regualr routine about 1 week out of surgery. My activity has steadily increased since.

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

I take 2 Flinstones childrens vitamins a day, 2 caltrate chewables a day and 1 1000mcg sublingual B-12 once a week.

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 really havent had many side effects so far. I have dumped a few times and I dealt with those by laying down for a while until I felt better. I have also vomited a few times. When I vomit it is usually because I ate my meal too fast or didnt chew well enough. I have only recently began noticing hair loss. I understand that they are all normal and accept them as they come. I cant change it so I am not going to stress over it.

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

Learning to change bad habits and learning to accept compliments!

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

My surgeons group has a wonderful support group that meets once a month. We have clothing exchages, guest speakers, fitness programs, and acess to the most knowledgable professionals in wls. I feel it is very important for both pre-op and post-ops to get together. It helps pre-ops learn more first hand about the procedure and everyday life afterwards. The post-ops learn new tips and things to make life easier and just know that whatever problems or triumphs they have had that someone truley understands because they have been there too.

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

I had the lap procedure so I only have 5 small incisions. They were much smaller than I ever expected. Each incision is just about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. I have 3 incisons on the upper right of my abdomen, one on the left upper abdomen and one to the right of my navel.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I havent had a plateau so far but my weightloss is slow right now.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people are much more open with compliments and less likely to ridicule me now that the weight is coming off