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

I think what may have convinced me to start the research on bariatric surgery was seeing that the comedian Rosanne (Barr/Arnold) had it done and was looking great. It took me over a year to finally decide to go ahead and ask my doctor for approval. It grossed me out at first, but after doing much research I began to understand it better and am now looking forward to doing it.

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 long road leading to approval by the surgeon and the insurance company. They both required an extensive list of tests to be performed, written documentation that the surgery was medically necessary, and a list of everything I had done to loose weight in the past. I first saw the surgeon back in June of 2000 and finally have been scheduled for surgery on December 6, 2000.

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

I was afraid of what it would be like visiting the surgeon. His surgical assistant and medical intern took care of the basic interview and prepared me for his visit. He came in and talked to me very nicely and not condesendingly like many other doctors had in my lifetime. He told me all about his previous bariatric surgeries and their successes. He warned me that I must be ready to make an abrupt and signigicant change in my life and lifestyle and that I would have to remain on a diet forever!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I just knew it was finally time and I wanted to be alive past 50 years old. At the rate of progression of all my "borderline" diseases caused by obesity, I knew something drastic had to be done, otherwise I would suffer the consequences.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew when I saw that the procedure could be done laporascopically, I was thrilled and knew I had to go forward. The doctor warned me that sometimes he had to give up doing it laporascopically mid-procedure and go in the "normal" way if there were complications...I even realized that would be OK too. Post surgery 12/15/2000 It was an open procedure which makes me more sore, but I was willing to have it done any way at all. I will keep this updated to let everyone know how I am doing. Now, almost 7 months later (7/1/2001) I have lost over 100 pounds, feel fabulous and am looking pretty darn good if I do say so myself!

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 know the risks. I have even prepared my will and a living will just in case. I am confident everything will be fine--I also have an incredible prayer circle from all faiths and spirits. Post surgery 12/15/2000 I made it! Thanks to all my friends and family and prayer circle....I will be OK *See updates above

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 two sisters understood and wanted to know more. I thought my mother would be more shocked than she was, but said that if I was sure about it to go ahead and she would support me all the way. I have not told a whole lot of other people--only certain friends that I know will support me. I guess it is my need for not being embarrassed or criticized once again. *See updates above

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

I have told my employer that I am having surgery, but did not explain what kind. Since I work for a college, we get two weeks off for Christmas. My surgery is scheduled two weeks prior to the holidays, and I will be taking them off as vacation time have built up over the past several years. In total, I should be off work for four weeks. *See updates above

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

I was in Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida. It is one of the best in the state. The care was superb! The hospital staff was excellent from the doctors, nursing staff, assistant nurses and even down to the transport personnel who wheel people around to and from procedures. Everyone was really nice and understanding. They were all very encouraging and knew I was taking a big step.

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

None that I know of so far. I am waiting rather impatiently for the weight loss portion though, I am still overly "puffy" from the procedure. I have not been going to the bathroom as frequently as I expected. I think my body thinks I pulled quite a trick on it. 01/12/01 I got an infection in the areas where my g tubes were, but it was cleared up in a few weeks with some antibiotics and lots of dressing changes. *Seven months later - (7/01/2001) I have lost over 100 pounds and feel fantastic. Only one more person to go!

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

Lots of deep breathing and an increased dosage of Zoloft helped. 1/12/01 I few "tons" better. My knees are happy, they do not hurt as much. I am having a lot less trouble walking. I actually went into a big store last week to shop around. My legs still hurt after about 20 minutes, but I am still way to heavy. I can't wait to loose bunches more. My shortness of breath has also gone away. *See update above

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

Week one: If your surgery is open, expect a lot of muscular pain in the abdomen. The only thing that is worse or magnified is when you try to lay down flat in bed. The first night home I could not sleep in my bed and had to essentially sleep upright all night. I am not hungry really, even though I was on a clear liquid diet the first week. Today I started the pureed foods with no consequences so far. I do look with some longing at some food commercials though--not that I could eat any of that but thinking how I had eaten that in the past (and wondered if pizza can be pureed? - just kidding) 01/12/01 I had a bout with the "stomach police" a couple weeks ago. My first, and hope only touch of dumping syndrome. I had been doing so well and trying too many different foods. It made me eat a little more cautiously for the next few days if at all. I am not sure if it was the meat or the yogurt based sauce that did it...All better now. *See update above

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

My hospital and surgeon are right here in the county I live in. Maybe all of 5 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.

Week one: Clear liquids hot and cold. No hunger No sugary liquids. Week two: Pureed foods hot and cold. Small amount is OK. Trying to keep away from sugar. I am not ready to try to find out what dumping syndrome feels like. 1/12/01 Been there! Done that! Won't go there again! All better now. I just had to be a little more careful. 2,3,4/01 Regular foods now. Just small amounts. Now I must be more careful to make good choices. It can be easy to cheat. But since I have lost over 80 lbs I do not want to cheat and need to go much, much further. *See update above: 7/1/01 over 100 pounds gone forever. I still "dump once in a while if I eat a little too much or something with sugar on and empty stomach (pouch). Yes, I can keep something with sugar down, unfortunately. I have to be careful to NOT do that if can help it all. It can be too easy to screw this thing up. One could eat small amounts of bad things all day and never loose another pound. Be careful!!!

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

Walking around the house and getting the mail outside. Trying to do stretching when I can. 1/12/00 Went back to work on 1/2/01. I made it through the first four day week and now the first five day week. Did a little too much and my stomach muscles were sore. Ok now. I see the surgeon next Wednesday. I am excited to find out how much I have lost. March and April, 2001 Rejoined my health club. I participate in water aerobics from one to three times a week. It is so easy to do exercise in the water...and fun too. I am feeling a whole lot better. My knees are much better but need more rehabbing...they have carried tons of excess weight for many years. I am now giving them some well deserved relief. *See update above. Lost a skinny older sister in weight, now I have go to loose her bigger twin! I try to imagine carrying a 100 pound person around now and I don't think I could walk, yet that is exactly what I have been doing pre-surgery for many many years!!

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

Two chewable multi-vitamins a day, morning/evening. Two B-12 sublingual tablets per day. Will be adding liquid B complex soon and I found chewable calcium at the local Walgreens. Will be getting chewable C's soon. I am a vitamin believer. March and April. 2001 Back on "regular" vitamins. Capsule form so they are fairly easy to digest. I make sure to take them after eating...and leaving a little room. I take a multi vitamin, B complex, vitamin C, and some sublingual B 12s Got yelled at by the surgeon's staff for not keeping up with the vitamins. I was taking them, but not enough of certain kinds. I had to go and buy more B12, iron, magnesium, folic acid, plus all my other ones such as calcium, a multi one-a-day, Cs, B complex, and ginghko biloba/ginseng. *Check out updates above

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 got the dumping syndrome after trying too many foods, some of which were forbidden on that stage of the diet. I forgot to read the list! I had it for about three days. I found the at the only thing that calmed down all the stomach acid that kept coming up was a few melba crackers. They saved me. My surgeon calls this the "stomach police." *See updates above

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

So far, feeling bloated and not losing weight right away. I had some type of drug reaction but no one could figure out what it was and it went away after stopping and restarting heparin shots. Why is a puzzlement. A little bout with dumping syndrome. I did not like that. (As well one should not) *See updates above...Yipee!

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

I belong to the Bypass Buddies (formerly called Obesity Support Group). I suggested the name change...they are not supporting obesity. On 1/13/01 I will attend my second meeting. I am offering to take everyone's pictures every month to compare results. I am also thinking of developing our own website which I will share with everyone here. This is a great group. We are also growing by leaps and bounds--well maybe by baby steps!!! There are people who want the surgery and folks that have had it. We talk to everyone about everything.

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

Considering I was supposed to have this done laporoscopically, I do have a scar from the open variety. I do not care though. I was prepared for either kind. My scar begins almost under my left breast area and down to about three inches above my navel. It is not bad at all. I am so happy with the weight loss it does not matter. It is my battlewound with I proudly wear.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It is now April and I think I am on a plateau (surgery in December, 2000) It could be because my exercise has increased immensely. It is typical, inches are coming off, clothes are getting looser, but the pounds are not coming off as fast. But I feel great and I know in just a short time I will peel off much more. I do have to increase my proteins though. Lost a little hair, especially after the pool's choline. Somtimes during "that time of the month" I will not loose weight for a few days or a week. Now the weight loss has slowed down and I must watch what I eat very carefully. I am exercising at least three times a week and want to buy a new bike to add more. I never thought I would ride again. LOVE THEM ENDORPHINS!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Many people do not know I had the surgery. They kind of look at me and some ask if I have done something different with my hair, Although I have lost 40 lbs. I still have a million to go, so it does not look like too much is gone. The people that know are really proud of me and say that it really took guts to go ahead and do this (I respond no, just a little change in guts!) *See update above Yahoo!!!