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

My youngest daughter approached me in 1999 about her desire to have the surgery. My initial reaction was that this was for the weak and those who have no control over their life! I told her I could not be supportive of her decision if she chose 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?

I was initially denied, but approved rather quickly was the appeal process was initiated. Persistence is the key, plus the support of family and friends.

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

The Comprehensive Weight Management program at Ohio State University involves a behavioral psychologist, a team of primary care physicians, nutritionists and then finally the srugeon himself. I was so well educated by the time I met with Dr. Melvin, I had very few questions for him. Do as much research as possible prior to meeting with anyone involved in this process. Leave no stone unturned in educating yourself about all aspects of bariatric surgery, financially, emotionally and physically.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After spending months educating myself, and going through this with my daughter, I knew it was my only chance at regaining any measure of health for myself. The information pointed to a high success rate for those committed to the process and I felt as though I was a strong candidate for the procedure.

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 for 5 days. The surgery itself was as I had imagined, with no major difficulties. I did experience an extremely high heart rate for three days and was quite concerned about that. On day 4, things with my heart started to go back to normal and the doctors felt it was attributable to the trauma from the surgery itself. Bring books and phone numbers for when you are feeling a little better, usually on day 3. A nice comfy robe and slippers for your walks are also nice.

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

None to date.

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 ate!!

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

Take it slow and easy. Only eat until you are full and stick to the blended diet regimen. It really does help!

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

Local - 15 miles

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.

Six months after the surgery, I still have some trouble with hamburger and bacon, of all things. I can eat bread products, but in very small portions. If I eat bread, it is very difficult to get in the proteins that are so badly needed. Any foods that are dry are a little difficult to digest and I sometimes have an unusual full feeling when eating eggs. I am able to eat 6 - 7 oz. of meat with no difficulty, but nothing else with it. If I stick to 3 - 4 oz. of meat, I can work in a verggie and a little salad. Shortly after the surgery, I ate a lot of refried beans! Good source of protein and tasty too. I also ate a lot of cottage cheese and yogurt. I still eat a Dannon Light yogurt every night before going to bed. Low in calories and filling for a nice eveining snack.

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

I began walking alomost immediately after the surgery. I have since had difficulties with extreme weakness in my legs which has hampered my ability to walk as much as I would like. The problem was associateed with my diabetes and also an undiscovered problem with Graves disease. As soon as these are under control, I expect to resume a great deal of physical activity.

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

Prenatal vitamins, Pepcid AC and B12.

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 experienced minimal hair loss at 4 months. However, it lasted only about 6 weeks and my hair is now coming in thicker and whiter than before! No vomiting, nausea or dumping. I have been very faithful to the process and have had no sugar to date. I don't want to know if I can tolerate it so I don't even try.

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

OSU Comprehensive Weight Management Support Group It is very helpful to talk with others who have experienced the same issues you have.

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

4 small incisions and one 3 inch incision - less than what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I hit a serious plateau at about 4 months after the surgery. I had no weight loss for 5 weeks! I changed my PCP and my new doctor noticed the extreme swelling in my feet and legs. She placed me on a mild diuretic and I drpped 20 pounds in one week! I had been losing but because of thyroid and diabetes issues, I was retaining an incredible amount of fluid. I felt so much better and am now losing steadily again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I receive compliments on a daily basis from at least two people. They want to know what I have done, am I ill, etc. Most people just tell me how great I look. I would hope that people really don't see me differently than before, but that is probably not reality. Obese people are usually looked down upon,and I suppose that was the case for me before my surgery.