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

The first time I heard about it was from a friend that is a nurse. She had the band put on her stomach, and never really lost much weight. She talked about stapling, etc. The most I've found out about this surgery has been in the last year. I have researched on the internet, found people that have had the surgery and talked to them, gone to seminars, etc. and have felt everything from scared, to "get me in there to do this"... It's hard to put yourself under the knife for surgery, but I think this is well worth it.

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 was very helpful, and my doctor's staff did most of the footwork for me. I had my insurance approved within one month.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was really good. I took a list of questions I had with me, and he was very patient, and answered each one of them. I feel fortunate he is very interested in what his patients have to say, and want to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt very comfortable that this was the only solution for me. Everything went as planned, with no hitches... from getting my insurance approved (they paid 100%!), to feeling at ease with my surgeon, and having the support of my family and friends. I feel it's the best thing that's ever happened to me!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Since I had two other major surgeries, I didn't have a choice but to have the Open RNY. Too much scar tissue.

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 put myself in God's hands. I prayed about this surgery, and He gave me total peace about this. I felt that whatever happened, it would be what He wanted for me. My surgeon was honest with me about the facts, and that he'd had one patient die, and three with many complications, (out of 100 cases)... everything just felt right. I'm not saying it wasn't a hard decision to make, because no one wants to volunteer themselves for major surgery, and I had just had hernia surgery April 2000. I'm healthier now, and that's what counts.

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?

At first, they all thought I was crazy, that I should be able to lose the weight like I had before. About 16 yrs ago, I lost 99 lbs. on weight watchers, but, I also worked out 7 days a week. I'm 43 now, can't work out that way, and tried weight watchers again, with no results. I told them that I wanted to live the last half of my life (key word "Live") healthy, able to do things with my kids, for myself, and to maybe like myself for the first time in many years. I think it finally clicked with them, and I had the best support anyone could ask for. My mom even came 1400 miles to stay with me a couple of weeks to make sure everything was alright.

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

I explained everything to my boss, and he was supportive, and told me to do whatever it took for myself to be healthy. My surgery was December 3, 2001, and I go back to work on January 21, 2002. I feel ready, although, I'm really enjoying spending time with my daughter right now.

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

My stay in the hospital was pleasant. I had a great roommate (except, she really talked alot), and I was in the hospital 4 days. The only thing I brought with me was a robe and socks, so I could walk up and down the hall. My family brought clothes the day I got out of the hospital.

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

I haven't had any complications as of yet, and hope that I won't.

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 felt alright, but I noticed that I wasn't dealing well with thinking about all the foods I loved, and that I'd never get to eat like I did then, again. I gained another 10 lbs. the last month before I went into the hospital. I pretty much felt at peace about the surgery.

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

I've been home 1 month now. The first week, I really didn't do much of anything, except I did get out and walk each day, at least twice a day. The second week, I was doing little things around the house, walking 2-3 times per day, and catching up on my soaps! The third week, I was up to walking 1 mile a day, doing more around the house, put up my Christmas tree, etc., and went to see my daughters school choir Christmas Program. As of the fourth week, I'm doing much better, getting much stronger, and feel like I'm gaining more energy everyday.

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

Traveled about 20-25 miles to the hospital, and my surgeons office is at the hospital, also.

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.

The first two weeks, I was on a liquid only diet (broth, water, sugar-free jello). The third week, I added toast and eggs to my diet, and did very well with that. The fourth week, I was allowed to add chicken, turkey, fish, cottage cheese, refried beans, & yogurt. I have tried all, except the yogurt (because I don't like it). The only thing I had a problem with after the 3rd week was the toast, so I quit eating it. I had mild nausea twice, because the toast was so dry. I have not experienced being sick to my stomach, dumping, etc. at all. I have been taking my vitamins since the third week with no problems.

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

I was up walking in the halls at the hospital, the day of my surgery. Each time I got up to walk, (3-4 times/day), I'd add another hall, so that when I got home, I'd already be used to the walking. I knew if I didn't do it there, I wouldn't do it at home. It really help to do i that way, because I really think I've gotten stronger, faster because of this.

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

I take Iron once per day (it's a tablet, & I cut it in half to take it). I take a sugar-free childrens multi-vitamin 3 times per day, Viactiv Calcium chews 3 times per day, and "Hair, Nails & Skin" (a tablet I cut in 1/4's to take), to hopefully help with my hair loss. I was already losing hair without this surgery, and I haven't noticed any difference, yet.

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 haven't had but 4 bouts of nausea since my surgery (in one month). The first two were because I sneezed too hard the first week after my surgery, and the other two were because of dry toast.

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

I think just knowing that you are taking a risk, and that there could be complications, and putting yourself under the knife for a major surgery. In my case, the pain after surgery was bearable, and I'm feeling some sore muscles, but that's because I'm working muscles I haven't touched in years.

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

My surgeon has a group support program. We meet once per month for a meeting, and we have guest speakers, and there is always a counselor available for questions and advice. It is very important to have this support.

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

It is very big! My surgeon told me it would be big, because he had to remove the mesh from my hernia surgery, but he did go through the same scar from my hernia, so at least it's not a new one! It is still really pink, and I still have a scab over the hole where my drain was. After getting over the gastric bypass surgery, I have now had my tummy tuck and lypo on the top outside of my legs, and a tuck on the inside of my legs. The old scars on my stomach have now been moved down, except for the incision where my new belly button was made and they had to sew up another hernia while they were in there. The scars from my tummy tuck go from one hip to the other about 4-5" down from my belly button, and I also have some at the top of my legs from the front around the inside to the back of my legs.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not lost anymore weight since August 2002, but have now lost 171 lbs. I am flucuating up and down about 5 lbs. I'm having a tummy tuck 1/16/03 and will lost about another 25-30 lbs. from removal of all the skin on my stomach. I feel great! I've lost 177 lbs., but haven't lost anymore weight since September 2002 (today is April 3, 2003), and didn't lose anymore weight after my tummy tuck was done. I'm in a size 18 slacks/jeans, and wear a size large in tops (14-16). It's hard not losing weight anymore, and my surgeon wants me to try to lose another 25-30 lbs. I'll have to work out more, and I'm walking daily, and I've noticed I'm eating more at each meal (still only 2 meals per day, approximately 8-12 oz. protein plus a little vegies or fruit, sometimes some bread or crackers). I still drink my water and feel that's very important. My surgeon says I shouldn't go over 1000 calories per day, and I still shouldn't snack between meals, but I've picked up the habit of eating popcorn, sometimes sugarfree cookies/candy. So, that may be my problem with no weight loss. I'm trying not to snack as much now, and cut back on the amount I'm eating at each meal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

1/15/03 - It's been over a year now, and it's amazing how people react to my weight loss. I get compliments all the time, and people say they can tell I'm still losing inches because my clothes fit differently. I can't see it as much as they do, and sometimes it's still hard to accept the compliments. The main thing is I'm in good health now, and feel great. My daughter keeps looking at me, and telling me she can see I've lost weight. That's okay. I don't know how I'll react to family and some of the friends I haven't seen in awhile, because I don't know what they'll say. It' just amazing to me how many people will speak to me now that wouldn't have given me the time of day before. People tell me I look younger now, and that I have a good figure. That makes me feel good, but I still feel it shouldn't make a difference what size you are, it's who you are that counts.