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

At work, about 20 people were having the surgery done and one day you would see this overweight person. The next time you would see them, they were skinny. I began asking - "What is going on?" That is when they started telling me about the different doctors and the surgery. I new this was for me!

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

My insurance approval was very easy and it went very smooth. I have heard other people talk and it hasn't been so easy. My advice is don't let up! Bug them! Keep on them - the doctor's and the insurance company. They are busy and you get slipped to the back burner very easily. I have been told by other people to be relentless and keep after them.

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

My first visit with Dr. Fallang was very pleasant. His group sessions are very productive. Long - 5 hours, but informative. He tends to go into too much depth in some spots. But...better over informed than under informed! I had a ton of questions written down to ask him. At the beginning of the group session he stated to wait and ask your questions at the end, as most would probably be answered in his talk. I thought - yea right. You don't know what I'm going to ask. Well - he was right! Every question I had written down was answered in his group talk. There was very few questions asked by the over 40 people in my group session. Those that were asked, he answered professionally and compasionately.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I wanted to have the surgery the minute I saw the people at work dropping the weight. They were different looking people in a matter of a few weeks. I have had previous surgeries and was not afraid to be operated on. I knew this was also my only way to change my eating habits and better my health before something happened to my health!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had been to a couple of different surgeon's talks, and when I went to Dr. Fallang, he explained all the different procedures including the ones I had been to with other doctors. He did not put any of the other surgeons down in any way, but he did stress the pros and cons of each. I was impressed with his procedure and with the questions I asked, that definatley changed my mind.

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?

When I first started out looking to get the procedure done, it seems like when you talk to someone, they, of course, know someone who had the surgery. Some say those they know that had it are doing and great and of course, some say those they know have had a terrible time and wish they never had it done. I then faltered for a brief period and thought maybe I shouldn't get it done. But then with what type of procedure aren't there risks?! I began to realize that I was going to have this surgery and I was going to be fine and nothing was going to stop me. I have been through adversity before and came out OK, I can conquer this! Having a postive attitude is everything! I didn't think of dying from the surgery. When it is my time, then so be it. It could happen anywhere. I am not going to dwell on the subject. I told myself I was going to go in have the surgery and come out a new, skinnier, healthier me!!!

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 parents and husband are very supportive. I wish my husband would have the surgery too, as he is very overweight. But he is very afraid of being operated on. Even tho he as seen me through 3 surgeries, he doesn't want it to happen to him. I am hoping that after he sees how good I did and how the weight is coming off, he will change his mind. I have a couple of friends at work that are worried for me, but all in all, everyone has been behind me 110%.

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

My immediate supervisor was all for it. His wife had it done a year earlier, so he kept telling me you won't regret it! With so many people at work getting it done, my company had no problem with it. I expect to be out of work 6 weeks.

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 (for being in a hospital). I was at Sycamore Hospital in Dayton, OH. I went in on 5/7/02 (my surgery date) and was released on 5/9/02. The nurses were constantly checking on me and asking if I needed anything and how my pain level was. My mom was allowed to stay in my room with me (I had a private room) and they were very caring for her also. An important item to take with you is a robe. I did not own one and did not want to spend money on something I would not wear or it would soon be too big. If you have one or can borrow on, do so. They get you up to walk ALOT and it is better than that silly gown. I was allowed to take a shower the very next day, so you may want to bring you own toiletries. I took a book, but when I wasn't walking in the hall, I was napping in bed. Never looked at the book.

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

I had absolutely no complications what so ever. I just want to stress, if you are in pain, ask for medicine. I would tell them my pain level was an 8 on a scale of 1-10, but they didn't seem to bring me any additional pain meds. I had the pump and could push it every 10 minutes, but I felt I needed additional meds. But....I was stupid and didn't press the issue and just bit the bullit and dealt with the pain. It seemed at night when they would check on me, I would tell them I would like additional pain meds, I did receive them with no problem.

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

When I fisrt got my date, it sounded so far away. I began going to all my favorite restaurants and eating everything like I would never be able to set foot in them again. That is how I coped with the anxiety also. I ate at all my favorite places. Before I knew it, it was 2 weeks away, then one week, and then the date had arrived. The time may sound far away from the day you receive the surgery date, but believe me, it arrives faster than you know. I also coped with anxiety by talking to other people who had the surgery done at work and they have all had TREMENDOUS successes. Thier tips and pointers helped alot. Gave me a lot of confidence to know that I could do this.

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

I have been home from the hospital for 4 days now. Every day the pain is less and less. When I first came home, I could not bed over and pick up anything or put on a sock. Now, no problem. I have been out to the grocery and other stores. One person told me they couldn't believe I was out and about doing so much after the surgery. But they want you to start walking every day. The more you walk, the better you are, and the more it helps the pounds. You should keep a positive attitude at all times also. It is hard to say what someone should expect after surgery. Everyone is different. Do only what you can and don't push it! Take you time to heal!

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

I had to travel about 1 hour for the surgery and his office is about another 15-20 minutes away from the hospital. This was not a problem for me, because I don't mind the driving. This doesn't affect my aftercare. I will see him in 2 weeks, then at 6 weeks, then I believe 3 months, 6 months and then yearly.

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 2 weeks after surgery was clear broths, jello, popcicles, jucie bars, plenty of water and gator aid type drinks. The 3rd week, you could have mashed potatoes, cream of wheat type cerals, applesauce, sugar free pudding. The 4th week, you could start on a bland type diet. Chicken, baked potatoes, things like that. By the 6th week, they wanted you to be eating a fairly normal diet (no fried foods, no high sugar foods, no pop). By the 3rd week for me, I was eating very small, eraser sized bites of chicken, eggs, cheese. I was sick of broth and jello. The first 2 weeks, I would have to eat something about every 2 or 3 hours. But once I started having a more solid diet with meat, I would only eat 3 meals a day. When I eat my meals, I try to eat more protein than anything else. I eat some salad or vegatable with lunch and dinner also. I can not drink milk yet. Tried it once and made me very queazy. I have had hamburger and it is fine. Some bread I can eat, some I can't. I was a HUGE bread eater before the surgery. Now, I don't miss it. Also with sweets. I don't miss them now. I can have sugar free cookies or a 1/2 of sugar free klondike bar and it doesn't bother me. But as of now, I haven't had a craving for sweets.

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

I was never a very active person. I am the typical couch potatoe. I didn't exercise before surgery for the main reason of being overweight and the second reason I HATE to exercise. My doctor wanted me to walk, walk, walk after surgery. But I told him I didn't walk before, why do you think I'm going to do it after. I was home from the hospital in 3 days and was out shopping within 5 days. I was in very little pain and was not tired. During the 8 weeks I was home from work, I never took a nap, I had energy to do things and I moved around the house alot. I was able to drive within 2 weeks and was on the go all the time. I did notice that one the one or two occassions that I did take a walk, at the time I had lost 20 pounds and I noticed a BIG difference. I could walk and talk and not be huffing and puffing like before.

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

At my 2 week checkup, we began taking 2 Flintstone complete vitamins. I will take these the rest of my life. If I do not want to take Flintstones, I can take any complete vitamin on the market. But for the first 3 or 6 months, they want you to take the Flintstones because you can chew them up.

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 only had nausia once or twice and a sip of pepto-bismal takes it away within 15-20 minutes. I have had no sleeping problems at all. The only time I had a slight dumping syndrom was when I had some milk. First came the nausia and within 15 or 20 minutes, I was in the bathroom. But after that, I was fine. I have not had any hair loss yet (2 months) and I hope I don't! I have not had the gas problems that some people talk about. Maybe it comes from eating a higher fat diet or the intake of sugar. I have pretty much eliminated that from my diet entirely.

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

The 3 days in the hospital where I was in pain and didn't ask for more pain medication was the 1st thing I felt was the worst part. If I would have asked for more pain meds, I would have felt better. But once I got home, I forgot about the pain and was ready to get started on the new me! The 2nd thing I felt was terrible was only being able to have broth and jello for 2 weeks. If you can get through that, you have it made!!!

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

Dr. Fallang's office has a support group that meets, but due to the distance from my home (about an 1 1/2 hour drive) I will not attend. There is a support group of bariatric patients that meets in my town that I might attend. It sounds like a good thing and you can learn alot from other people and gain some great tips and information.

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

My scar is about 5" long and it is very thin. I had no staples or stitches on the outside. It was stitched on the inside and then a "glue" of sorts was used on the outside. As time progresses, you won't be able to see much of anything! Dr. Fallang did a wonderful job!!!!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had the surgery now 8 weeks and have lost 40 pounds. I get on the scale weekly and sometime I don't see any change in the scales. They tell me to NOT weigh yourself every week. Stay away from the scales and just watch how big your clothes get. At 4 weeks, I had lost 13 inches throughtout my arms, waist, chest, hips, etc. That is important also. Measure monthly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have a lot of people coming up to me saying they really can tell that I have lost weight and that makes me feel good.