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

My PCP sent me for a sleep study because he suspected I had obstructive sleep apnea (he was right). The doctor at the sleep disorder center told me about the Louisville Weight Loss Program and referred me for an evaluation. Both doctors sent me on the road to a new life.

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

I have Medicare and Medicaid and was approved immediately. Advice? Be patient because as more people have found out about wls the "wait" time for 1st consult is longer.

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

Relaxed and informal. I had a list of questions to ask him and he answered everyone of them and he did not seem to be in a hurry to get me out. Be prepared with questions ( there are no DUMB questions ) and don't be scared to ask esp. if you don't understand something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was scared NOT TO HAVE the surgery I saw wls as my chance to get healthier. My last resort or end up immobile or worse!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon recommended Lap, which is what I was most interested in. RnY was the choice because my insurance did not pay for the lap-band.

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?

Every one of the fears you can think of blood clots, heart attack or allergic reaction. I chose to put my faith in God and prayed that He'd give me the stength to accept and deal with any negative outcome and be a source of such strength to my family and friends too. I would suggest learning all about the risks but know that though they can happen the chance that they will is VERY small for most people!

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?

Very supportive but scared too. I would have told only my extreme immediate family and not aunts, cousins etc. Most of my family continues to be supportive but there are a few who have not acknowledged my current success but that's ok because I am HAPPY anyway. Besides, they had issues before my weight gain and before my surgery!

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

N/A

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

Very pleasant my nurses were attentive and courteous. I spent 8 days in the hospital. I say be sure to bring CHAP STICK or some kind of lip balm! I had a lot of visitors my daughter brought me a cd player and my favorite cd's but I only used it once or twice because I always had someone visiting with me. One night my CNA even sat and talked to me about 45 minutes (actually it was in the wee hours of the morning LOL) we were both bored and insomnia had made an appearance! So if you don't expect the world will coming to see you, then take something to occupy your time.

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

Yes. I had some difficulty coming off the respirator and spent 1.5 days in ICU. On the 4th day post op I had fluid overload and was treated with Lasix. No complications after discharge from hospital.

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

Excited, scared and anxious. I lurked alot on AMOS and emailed post ops. But mostly I was anxious to get the show on the road. I think it was because I was at peace with this and knew all would be ok. I expected to be a nervous wreck on day of surgery but I was as cool as a cucumber! Funny how when you are having positive thoughts about something, negativity can't get in and upset the balance. Additionally, I had a very strong support system in my daughter,parents, siblings, a couple of aunts and my best friend. With so many prayers and support I made it without major anxiety!

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

I tired easily the 1st week or so but got better daily. Take it easy don't rush it expect to tire easily, you might not get hungry or you may wonder if you are eating/drinking too much or too little. Listen to your body!

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

Less than 1 mile.

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.

Eat- just about everything except Nutrasweet the first few weeks. Beef and chicken are sometimes difficult ( 7 months post op now ). Week by week I noticed I was able to eat more and tolerate more by 6 weeks out. By my 4th month I was feeling as if I could have any and everything- the only difference is I EAT A WHOLE LOT LESS NOW and am satisfied and most importantly...I have had no episodes of emotional eating!

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

Slowly but surely. Tentative - scared of hurting myself and easily tired. This changed progressively though and by the 6th - 7th week I was doing whatever my still painful back and foot "allowed" me to do.

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

Centrum chewables and One A Day women's formula tablets. I prefer the chewables, I fear a pill may get stuck.

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?

Nutrasweet made me sick for about 3 wks. - shaking and headache with a little queasiness.I had a little hair loss at 3 months but it had stopped by the 5th month. I coped knowing they would pass with time and making sure I got my vitamins in. I am not sure the hair loss was related to wls because I've had hair loss everytime I've had surgery.

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

The uncertainty about how I would recover and waiting for it to happen.However, compared to some people's waiting period,I was blessed with a quick time frame from 1st consult to surgery date. Worrying about complications etc. Also people saying it's the "easy way out".

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

My dr. does have one I just choose not to participate at this time.

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

Very small ( 7 scars ) and nearly invisible now. They are better than I expected at this point.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I don't know if I have because I only get weighed when I go to the doctor.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Men are more courteous. I get called "hon" and "baby" by men instead of "ma'am" and get more smiles and double takes without looks of disgust. Ironically, I am still obese but the way they react you'd think I was a model or wearing a size 6 something. LOL. Years ago I would have been extremely self-conscious about all of this positive attention...now it is welcomed because I am so happy to be ALIVE and hearing compliments and receiving "the look" and not stares and giggling.