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

A good friend had bariatric surgery in 2000. I was a little skeptical about her having this surgery. It seemed like "the easy way out". But, through education and her experience, I learned that this is far from easy, and the only totally effective means that I had at hand to get this weight off and keep it off.

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

I had no problems. My insurnace company approvd my surgery in less than a week.

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

Dr. Proctor is a very open, caring man. My first appt. went very smoothly. Make sure you take a list of questions with you when you go, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Make sure that your surgeon takes the time to answer all of your questions to your understanding. I started making my list about a week before my appt. so I was certain not to forget something.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My father died at age 42, and when I turned 32 and saw myself following in his footsteps, it scared me to death to think thay my life may be over needlessly in 10 years. The family history of heart disease and my age were the deciding factors for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I thought I would go with the lap. roux en y, but decided on the day of my pre-op to go with the open procedure. My surgeon said that the lap would take about 3 hours, as opposed to 1 hr. for the open, and I didn't like the idea of being under anesthesia that long.

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 TERRIFIED that I was not going to wake up from the surgery. I even wrote good-bye letters to my husband and daughter. I planned my funeral! I know the fears were irrational, but I couldn't do anything to subside them. Keep educating yourself! After surgery I learned that the mortality rate from WLS is actually the same as the mortality rate for hysterectomies, and just think how many women have that surgery every day! How often do you hear of someone dying from a hysterectomy?

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?

Most everyone was very supportive.

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

They were great! My manager was very supportive and never complained about the time off I was taking, etc. I was very honest with her about the procedure I was having, and she was non-judgmental. I was out of work for 2 weeks, then went back for 1/2 days for another week.

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

I stayed in the hospital 2 days following open Roux en Y. The majority of my stay is a fog, thanks to good pain meds. Don't be afraid to ask for them - they are your friend! I was up walking the next morning and was sore as I could possibly be. My surgeon insisted on walking the day of surgery, but I just couldn't bring myself to leave the comfort on my bed! The hospital staff was great, and always there to meet my needs. Important things to bring? A robe, slippers, and your toothbrush. Everything else was provided by the hospital. I definately overpacked!

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

No complications, really. I did develop hiccups immediately after surgery and they lasted for 36 hours, but I don't consider that a complication - just a side effect of the diaphragm being moved around. They were painful, and I was certainly glad when they subsided.

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

The day that I got the phone call to schedule my surgery, I hung up the phone and started to shake. Then I started to cry. I kept thinking, "What on earth have I done???". Just pre-surgery jitters, I guess. I continued my research on WLS on the internet, and talked to a lot of people who have already had the procedure, but I was still a bundle of nerves until the surgery was over.

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

I came home 2 days after surgery and was very sore. I could hardly get up and down without assistance. 3 days later, I was at the mall! I was amazed at how fast I started feeling better. I think it is very important to have someone around to help you those first few days. On day 3,my husband went back to work and I made the mistake of laying on the couch, and couldn't get back up! It took me about 2 hours of squirming before I managed to get to my feet. I think assistance for the first week is essential. After that, you will be fine on your own. Just be sure not to push yourself too hard too fast. At my two week point, I had to travel out of state for a funeral, and riding in the car was horrible!

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

I was very fortunate. My surgeon and hospital are both located within 10 miles of my 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.

Again, I am very fortunate in this respect. I have tolerated all foods very well since surgery. I ate liquids for a week, soft proteins for 3 weeks, and regular foods ever since. No problems, what so ever!

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

For the first week, I took things slow. Slept a lot and did light housework. By week 2, I felt well enough to do grocery shopping, etc. I also went back to work in 2 weeks, but just for 1/2 days. Then my aunt died, and I had to take another week off. I was able to maintain normal activity after the first week, but became easily fatigued.

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

I take a multi vitamin every day, in addition to calcium, b12 and iron. I have also added vit. E to help with my dry skin problems and a formula specific to hair loss.

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?

Being only 2 months out, I can honestly say that my only side effects have been with my hair and skin. No nausea, etc. My hair loss has slowed down, but my skin is still disgustingly dry and flaky. I'm hoping the new vitamins I have started will help with this.

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

THE PAIN! I have had surgery before, and breezed through with no problems. I expected this to be the same way, but I got a real eye opener. I never expected to wake up in recovery being that miserable. Thankfully, the pain was short lived.

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

I attend monthly support group meetings offered by my surgeon and his staff of professionals. It is very helpful to see how others are coping with the changes we are going through. There are weekly sessions offered, but I have not yet gone to these. My life is too hectic right now to fit every thing in!

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

My scar is about 4 inches long, kind of wide and still very pink. It is starting to fade. It's a little wider than I thought it would be, but hopefully shrink some with time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

UGH! This seems like a weekly event now! Actually, it happens every month right before my period. The needle on the scale just hangs there for about a week, I get frustrated and depressed, and then it starts moving again. I try not to let it bother me, but it's hard not to!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Of course! Men are flirtier, women can be petty and jealous. I don't let it bother me though.