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

My husband had first suggested it to me because he has a family member who had the surgery & it changed her life. He sees how unhappy I am with myself and of course this affects our relationship. He suggested that I research it and learn more about it. My first thought was one of horror! To go to such extreme measures to lose weight! I could lose it without having surgery! I know that I could! So I tried again & again to lose the weight and keep it off. I didn't get very far.

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

My Insurance company approved the surgery within a week or two. Very unusual. If you get denied, keep trying. The more detailed information that you can provide to the authorization department, the more likely they are to consider your request. Especially when this info comes from Doctors.

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

Dr Newhoff was very informative, basically answering all of my questions, but I was put off a bit. He seemed to have a condescending bias towards overweight people. I may be a bit too sensitive, but I definitely felt it. I advise anyone considering surgery to make up a large list of any question, no matter how stupid they may think it is. Other people in that group may be thinking of the same question, but are too afraid to ask it!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Knowing that I have tried everything thing I could to lose the weight & not suceeding. Most especially my super high blood pressure. I have heart disease in my family & know that high blood pressure doesn't help the problem. I felt that I was at my wit's end.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have decided on the R-N-Y, I have heard that the VBG has caused problems & usually requires followup 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 definitely scared, as anyone else would having major surgery. Bu8t we are living a slow death inside of these obese bodies. It just takes longer. Or taking a drive to the market can result in a car accident. So there are risks in just living day to day. That's what kept my mind in perspective. The pain & recovery time are not bad at all.

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 & daughter was totally supportive of my decision, but my Mom & Brother were highly opposed to it. They felt that there were too many risks. But when I went through with it, they did pull through for me & offer support.

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

I actually just got laid off from work just before my surgery, so telling my employer was not an issue.

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

I was very painful & uncomfortable the first few days. They had me on a demerol pump for the pain, which helped greatly. The worst part was the NG tube in my nose & not being able to drink anything. My mouth was like cotton. I would sip & swirl water & spit it out just to moisten my mouth. I also used a cold wash rag to suck on the moisten my mouth. Comfortable night gown & slippers. Favorite pillow.

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

Initially I didn't have any complications from the surgery. Four months later I did develop a complication from the surgery. I started to vomit on a more regular basis. I am seeing a gastroenterologist & another gastric surgeon for possible revision surgery to correct the problem.

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 anxious. Couldn't wait for it to be over. I worked on hobbies & kept busy.

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

My Mom & daughter were home to help me. Thank God they were there! My husband travel for business & couldn't be there. So they waited on my hand & foot & did everything they could to make thinks as comfortable as possible. They did a fabulous job!You definitely need some major nurturing at this time!

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

I had to drive about 35 - 40 miles, it was too bad coming home.

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.

At first it was just liquids: broth, water, crystal lite, jello. After awhile I move to pureed foods, such a cream of wheat, pureed soups, mashed potatoes, but always using 1 oz measuring cups. Always being aware of how much was enough & not going beyong that point. Then moving to regular foods the family was eating , just pureed. That was good. After 6 weeks we moved to regular foods, learning which ones caused problems in the beginning & taking ultra tiny bites, chewing so thoroughly, until it was liquid. Then swallowing, the waiting to see what the pouch was telling us. It is getting full, can more food fit in? Always be aware of what your pouch is telling you.

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

I started walking a little the first week back home, but quickly moved up tp walking a mile a day. I try to walk as much as I can or do other activities, like hiking or cleaning the house.

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

I take 2 children's Chewable Vitamins with Calcium, & I drink a low surgar, protein dring that is lactose free, since I am lactose intolerant.

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 had some nausea, but mostly vomiting, especially when I ate too close to bed time, or ate too much. Had some insomnia, also got dumping from lots of surgar at one, like ice cream or some candy & mile. I did have severe hair loss, from about the 3rd month until the 7th or 8th month. It nows seems to be growing back in , thank God!

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

Finding out that there are some foods that never agree with me & that I can never eat without vomiting. I felt that I was mislead when I was told that I would continue to eat anything that I ate before, just less. That is a lie, The are many foods I can't have now because off this surgery. I feel cheated & lied to regarding this. Smelling the food my family eats & knowing that I can't have it is more than I can stand.

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

There is a group that meets once or twice a month, but I usally can't make the meetings. NOt convenient with my work schedule.

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

It is healing nicely, finely. It's been 9 months now. Pretty much what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have gone through many plateaus, some lasting up to 3 months! I know that I am eating enough to lose the weight, so I figure that my body just needs to catch up. Sure enough, I suddenly lose 3lbs, then another 4 lbs, then some more & the plateau is broken. Just have patience. Increase protein intake & drink more water & walk more.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I guess a little bit.