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

A friend decided to have the surgery and talked to me about it. She is on diability and flew to Orange Ca. to have the surgery because no one in Washington would help her.I watched to see how she did, then I started to do some research. I thought at first she was crazy,but soon learned it was I who was crazy for being so afraid.

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

Find the surgeon yyour insurance covers. I had no problem with Atnea,because of my health. Do go to the doctor and sleep study.The insurance will look at your health risks.The more you have documented the better.

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

It was great. They said I was a perfect candidate,at 50 yrs.old. Do your research and write down all the questions you want to know ,so you dont leave upset with yourself. ...Your the only one who can take charge,so take charge!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My life. Newly divorced and not able to work because of back problems. Two children who need me around.I was older when I had children,so I want to see them become men.I want to see them marryand be a grandmother.I was so tired of dieting, and gaining the weight back. My health was getting worse with every passing year.I knew I had to do something and fast!I also know the surgery was less of a risk then staying obese. I was tired of looking in the mirror and not seeing my face buried in fat.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Research! What had the best record for weight (permanent) loss.

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 for my children, they need me. The thought of not coming out of this surgery was a huge concern. I felt confidence in my surgeon and the hospital in Seattle(Dr.Thirlby,Virginia Mason).I would do it again in a New York minute!My doctor keep telling me I was a time bomb,just waiting to go off.I decided to take charge. Its the best thing Ive EVER done for sucessfull weight loss.Understand though they can not operate on your brain,it took me four months to be satisfide not eating BIG plates of everthing. I now can eat a small portion and feel in my head that I really okay and I dont need huge amounts of food.

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 supportive,if they were afraid they kept it to themselves. Only one really lost it,BIG TIME! He called me from Hong Kong really worried. He said he had really never thought of life if I wasnt in it.He a real macho man,and a merchant marine.He just told me a ship buddy found him in his room just crying like a baby, the day of surgery.I didnt tell to many people beore surgery because I didnt want to hear abouy someone they knew 25 years ago who died. Now I tell everyone who wants to know how Iam losing the weight. I want to help anyone who has been in the same living hell.

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

Iam self employed,but told my co-workers of my decision. We have been working together for many years, so were like family. Only one started to cry the day before surgery. I chose not to tell others though , because i didnt want to hear about someone they knew twenty five years ago,who died from weight lose surgery. I have not been able to work my trade for three years because of back problems. I prepared everyone at work so I could be gone for awhile,like supplies,accounting,and tried to make everything run smoothly while I stayed home and recovered.

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 4 days. I had my favorite nurses. In general I felt I got very good care. Only one thing,why did this aid have to get me out of bed at 4:00 am (the first time) I think she could of waited until a few hours later. Its callled respect for not only me,but the poor women next to me. I really dont understand hospitals sometimes.

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

NO

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

By the fourth week I felt great, except vomiting.Ive learned to eat slower and smaller amounts. I have not had anxiety.The only thing is watching everyone eat large amounts of food and not able to jump right in .Its been easier now,4 months post op and 65 pounds lighter!

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

The first few days were pretty painfull,but I had me sister come and stay with me, her idea.I needed someone there. Then she went home and thanks to my 14 year old son,who helped me with everything I needed.I dont know what I would of done without him.He even helped me get in bed at night and put pillows under my head,knees,arms,gave me meds and made me tea when I wanted it. Get help if you can and dont feel bad asking for it.The first week home is painfull.Dont do much but heal. You deserve the rest.You need the time to heal, so take it.Expect pain this is not easy surgery,but remember every day gets better. I wish i could of done this years ago.

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

175 miles. 3 1/2 hour ride.I didnt care about the distance.It was worth every mile.Besides,it gave me some quiet time alone in the car. When you have teenagers, quiet time is so wonderfull. The first visit was two weeks after surgery,so I had someone drive me. The next doctor visit was three months.Of course I drove myself.

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 couldnt eat meat,fish,poultry,bread.pasta. Istill have problems.but its getting better. I dont vomit as much because I know when to stop eating and the feeling of when the food does not agree with me.STOP! Dont try eating food that hurts. Four months later I can eat a bite of meat but I dont try to eat more because I dont like vomiting and pain in my stomach.Sometimes the pain will last a couple hours. My doctor said it will get better and everyone is differant.So I dont rush it.Listen to your body.

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

Not much in the days after the surgery.I took the time to heal,but I do have hungry teenagers. I planed ahead and bought easy food that they could fix themseles. After 4 weeks I was back to normal,but carefull not to over do.

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

I take 2 adult vitamin with extra iron a day,because my hair is falling out so badly. I also take calcium,E,B-12 and a protein drink too. Iam really worried Ill be bald.

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?

Vomiting started right away. I dont vomit much now 4 months later because I know what to do to avoid it. Hair loss started at 3 months and it very bad! I want it to stop! I have hair everywhere. Its all over the sink,towels,combs.If it dosnt stop soon at the rate its going Ill be looking for a wig.

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

I thought after having two c-sections this surgery wouldnt be much worse.WRONG! This is pretty intense surgery and Iam not a baby. I always sleep on my stomach , so after sugery I was on my back and really uncomfortable. I cant say to many adverse things about this surgery because I wanted it so badly.All things pass and are soon forgotten.I do it again for the way I feel.I still worry something will go wrong and Ill start to gain weight again.Its hard to believe after all the struggle that Iam finally going to be normal.

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

None.I have the web sites. I just bought a computer for my son for xmas and he had to show me how to turn it on.I dont know how to type either,but iam learning real fast!Thank You everyone who writes because I live in a small coastal town and no groups for 200 miles.This has been wonderfull for me,I look up everything Iam wondering about,its very informative.Iam really amased how many people are doing this or have already had this surgery.THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!

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

Its from my navel to my bra. I really dont care what it looks like, its better than being heavy. ITS THE LEAST OF MY PROBLEMS.I just want to walk and not be in so much pain.Ill were a one piece bathing suit.Oh yeah,I might were one after all these years. My brother who really freaked out over this surgery is taking me to Hawiaian Ilands next year as a treat for my weight loss.I think he was so freightened.hes happy Iam still alive!Iam really excited!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

IVE had two or three so far. one lasted.a month. I got freightened thinking the weight loss stopped.The old fear that the surgery didnt work and Iam going to start to gain it back before I get to goal.Then I start to lose again.THANK YOU<THANK YOU!I still worry ,will it work.I guess its normal because everything I ever tried didnt work.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.I still have alot to lose. I get alot of compliments. People are really noticing the weight loss.I had a talk with a friend about the way she feels. I noticed she got depressed when I weighed the same as she does.I always weighed more.Then I was trying to spare her feelings by not mentioning my loss.Now Iam below that and decided to say something to her because our friendship is to precious.She would like the surgery herself but her husband wont let her.He says its unatural.I cant understand his thinking,it would help her health so much.I cant say to much, because he thinks Iam crazy.Ill just let time pass and hell see Iam healthy and thin.