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

I really started learning about bariatric surgery when Carnie Wilson had her procedure done. I remember thinking it could be the answer for me. I had to do or I was going to die young. At the time I didn't think it was something insurance would cover, so I put it out of my mind. After the birth of my daughter I was desperate to lose weight. That's when I started doing my research on weight loss surgery.

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

The insurance approval process was a nightmare for me! I had the documentation required - or so I thought. The insurance company said that because my doctor's office never weighed me, my history was unacceptable. I explained that my weight exceeded the 350lb. limit on my doctor's office scale, and that's why my records always said 350plus. I was told that would not suffice & I would have to find someplace else to weigh and start over! After several additional months and an appeal I was finally approved. My advice is to be persistent. I called and spoke with the same person everyday for a week. I honestly think she approved me partially because she was tired of me calling. Be curteous when you call, but don't let them see you as just another claim number.

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

My surgeon was about an hour late for my initial consult because she was stuck in surgery. Once she arrived I was very impressed. She was extremely friendly and open which pit me at ease. She answered all my questions and never once made me feel rushed, eventhough I knew she was running late. To get the most out of this visit I would reccomend two things: a notepad and an open mind. You can use the notepad to prepare a list of question ahead of time so you don't forget anything. You can also use it to take notes during the consultation. An open mind is also essential. Often people go to see their surgeon having already decided what type of weight loss surgery they will have, wether they want open or lap, and when they want to have it done. While the patient should play a role in making these decisions, the surgeon is the professional and has surely done even more research than you. There may be medical reasons why the procedure you want is not the most suitable for you. There may even be other medical problems that need to be addressed before your surgery. Just listen to the surgeon before you make these decisions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

There was no question in my mind this was the right thing to do. I did countless hours of research, talked to post-ops and doctors, and visited obesityhelp.com frequently. I knew I was ready.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have seen several sources that call roux-en-y gastric bypass the "gold standard". It has an overall better success rate than the Lap-band, and it doesn't have all the malabsorbtion problems associated with the DS. Also, there are not many surgeons in my area who will do these procedures. If I opted for the RNY I would not have to travel far from home for my medical care. I felt this was the best procedure for me. When I had my initial consult with my surgeon she said I was an excellent candidate for the RNY. That sealed it.

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?

A few days before my scheduled surgery I heard about someone who died from complications after this procedure. It really hit home. I had concerns but really no major fear. I think we all have a time to die. Even if I am open on an operating room table, if it's not my time I'm not goin' anywhere!

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 family has been a great source of support, both before and after surgery. My mom has been behind me throughout this whole process. My husband has been a real trooper. He was the one who encouraged me to go through with the appeals process, even when I thought it was hopeless. Even my in-laws have been great. They picked up my kids from the sitters every day while I was in the hospital so my husband could spend some time with me. I just shared the details of the operation with a few close people before surgery. The others were told the basics about a week before the procedure. I think that this was wise because they weren't left out completely, but they didn't have much time to voice their objections. Now that I am post-op their attitudes about the surgery are all positive, because they are seeing the pounds drop off!

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

My employer was very supportive of my decision. My immediate supervisor and the HR supervisor were well aware of my struggle to get this approved by insurance. I think that they realized how much I wanted this and did everything they could to help me. In fact, the doctor's office got my approval on a Monday and asked me if I wanted a surgery date the following Monday. Even with only a weeks notice, my medical leave was approved without question. I was off work two weeks and two days.

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

My stay was overall a pleasant one. The worst part was that I was not even allowed ice chips until after my leak test, which wasn't until the day after surgery. I was allowed to swish water in my mouth, but of course I had to spit it back out. My stay in the hospital lasted 4 days. I would reccomend bringing a fan, a brush, deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, your own shampoo and conditioner, and something light to read. Everything else was provided, and I find the more you pack, the longer it takes to gather up all your things when you're ready to go home.

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

My only complication was a reaction to the staples. I itched for 8 days! At my first follow-up visit they were replaced with steri-strips and the problem disappeared almost immediately.

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 lucky. When I got my insurance approval the surgeon had just had a cancellation, and my surgery was scheduled for 1 week later. During that week I just made sure all my affairs were in order, my checkbook was balanced, and enjoyed playing with my babies because I knew I wouldn't be able to lift them for a while after surgery.

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

I really had no pain when I left the hospital. I was comfortable at home, but could not do much house work and the kids had to go to the sitters (they are still in diapers and I just couldn't do it by myself) during the day while they're dad was at work. When I was alone during the day I thought alot about food. I definitely had head hunger, but it got better day by day. When I would find myself in the kitchen looking in the cabinets, I would slide on my shoes and go for a walk. This seemed to help.

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

The hospital where I had my procedure is a 10 minute drive from my house. This was nice, because my husband had to be at home with our two children in the evenings, but he could be at the hospital quickly if I needed him.

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.

After surgery I was allowed nothing. The next day I had my Leak test. Then I was allowed sips of water for 4 hours. Next I moved on to clear liquids, not to exceed 3oz per hour. Eight days after surgery I was put on full liquids and soft protein foods. At four weeks post-op, I was allowed to gradually introduce all other foods. I have found I can tolerate most anything, but I stil have a problem with bread and I find that many of my old favorites are too sweet now.

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

Right after surgery I felt good, but I tired very easily. I took small naps throughout the day while in the hospital, but I did feel better after I would get out of my room and walk. The first week home I took a nap every afternoon for about an hour and I felt good. I got out of the house regularly and went walking and I'm sure that helped. The next week I went back to work and I was basically back to my pre-op energy level and gaining even more energy everday. And this was after an open rny.

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

I take a chewable daily vitamin, sublingual B12, and a calcium supplement.

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 and vomiting early on, but it really wasn't anything too severe. It passed rather quickly. I have had alot of problems with hair loss. My hair was thin to begin with, and it just got thinner and thinner. It started about 2 months post-op and lasted until about 7 or 8 months post-op. I have not experienced the problem since then, and I actually can see new hair growing in. I used to have long hair, but when it started falling out I got it cut into a chin length bob. It made the hair loss much less obvious and I really like the way it's cut.

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

The worst part of this whole process has been dealing with my insurance company. They are aware of all the health risks associated with obesity, and yet they make us jump through every hoop imaginable before approving a life-saving procedure!

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

I have been attending the support group at the hospital where I had my surgery. I find great comfort in meeting with a group of people from my area who have been through this same experience. I also find ObesityHelp.com very helpful. Our support group only meets once a month, but I can go to the web everyday and get information and support. I will caution that our support group has been through it's ups and downs. Sometimes a group that has no direction is worse than no group at all.

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

My scar is exactly 7 inches long. It starts about 2 inches below my bra line. It is a little wider at the top than I expected. I had a small portion of my incision right at the top that pulled apart. At the widest point it is about a quarter inch accross, and the rest of the way down it is a very thin line. I was pleasently surprised. I have a c-section scar that looks 10 times worse! ONE YEAR UPDATE: My scar has faded quite nicely and is barely noticeable. In fact, it has shrunk since surgery. It was originally 7 inches long, and now measures in at just under 6 1/2 inches. I gues it is shrinking just like the rest of me!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have been on a plateau, and they are the worst. Sometimes it seems no matter what you do the scale won't budge. In my case, I have to mix up my routine to get through a plateau. Sometimes walking instead of riding a bike for exercise or eating eggs instead of yogurt for breakfast makes all the difference in the world. It really shakes up your metabolism. Another great tip that someone shared with me is to vary your calories. I aim for 1200 calories per day at this point. If it hit a plateau though, I may take in 900 one day, 1500 the next day, and 1200 the next. I still make sure that my average for the week comes out to 1200 per day. This has also helped me to get over a plateau. I should mention that I have noticed I do not lose during the week of my period. In fact, some months I gain 1-3lbs. This water weight always drops off right after my cycle. I do not count these as plateaus. I have just accepted the fact that this is a natural course of events for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

There are many people who treat me differently. People who were my friends are still my friends, but now many people who dismissed me before want to get to know me. That's fine. I am happy to get new opportunities at work, and I refuse to be rude to someone who ignored me before, because that means I have stooped to their level. When all is said and done I know who supported me pre-op. I know that they are my true friends. They are the people I can look to for support no matter what size clothes I'm wearing.