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

I was looking through the phone book in the spring of 1997 and found an advertisement for a surgical weight loss center in Atlanta and called it. The lady there sent me some information and my husband and I went and met with the bariatric surgeon then. I didn't have the knowledge of the resources that was out there even then. I wanted to do it but at the time my insurance comany would't approve it and I didn't know about appeals and all of that. Thinking back, the doctor's office really didn't do all they could to try and help me get my surgery approved. I was very dissapointed but thought I would just have to try harder to lose weight by dieting. Five years later I am working in a doctor's office and a local surgeon sent the office I work for a post card announcing that he now did bariatric surgery. I was on a different insurance and was MUCH more knowledgable about how all that worked. I knew I still wanted to do it but was allowing myself to be talked down by my husband who was afraid of my doing elective surgery. What pushed me into finally going to the initial consult is my good friend went and had it done, was on the same insurance as me, and was so happy she had it done. Here I was having wanted to do this all these years and she just went and did it. It is becasue of her bravery and determination that I have gotten this far in the process.

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

I had heard so many stories and was very nervous about this step. I was ready to dig my heels in and fight until all resources were exausted. As it turns out, upon 24 hours of submission I was approved. I work in a doctor's office, though and my advice to anyone having trouble would be to keep a log of who you talk to with dates and times, what was discussed and do whatever they ask of you. If you don't like the answer you have gotten, hang up and call right back. Chances are you will get a totally different response. Insurance companies are unbelievably inconsistent!

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

My first visit with the surgeon was really just a beginning point for me. I asked my husband to go just so he would have the opportunity to see what it was all about and ask questions directly and hear the doctor's answers for himself. I already knew I wanted to do it and was ready to do all that was necessary to get the ball rolling. I had a list of questions written down and ready to ask. That helped becasue we both left the office with all questions we had at that point answered. It is sometimes overwhelming with all the information so don't try to rely on your memory for all your questions. Do as much research before you go to the doctor as you can. It will also let the doctor know that you are serious and will be a good and compliant patient.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided to have surgery way back in 1997. I just didn't know how I was going to go about it. It took five years and a lot of research and talking to people to get me to this point. My advice to people reading this would be to really search within yourself and if it is what you want to do, let no one stand in your way. Be brave and stand up for your right to a better quality of life!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon only does two types- the Reux-en-y and the Phobi pouch. I was told that insurance still didn't cover the Phobi pouch and it was an additional $1800-$3200 depending on the person. I have elected to stay with what insurance will cover which is the Reux-en-y.

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 had myself really freaked out about dying until I got to the hospital the day of my surgery. For some reason it never crossed my mind again. I was very lucky to have a very competent and caring medical staff who made me feel very comfortable. I think everybody is afraid of the same thing and we all go through the same feelings before surgery. Just know it is normal and more than likely your own surgery will go absolutely great.

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 were not very supportive at first. I got the same response over and over which was "Why can't you just go on a diet?". When I was calm and firm about the fact that I had made my decision and gave them the reasons for that decision, they backed off. Now after the surgery everybody has come around. It has really helped to have such a strong support through this web site and my local support group. Sometimes now after surgery when an issue comes up my husband doesn't understand and I have to explain. I have learned not to take it as unsupportive, though. I have to remember that he is going through changes as well as I.

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

My employers are doctors so they have been WONDERFULLY supportive. They came and saw me in the hospital and one of them even talked with my surgeon during my surgery (on speaker phone) to inquire after me. I have been completely honest with them throughout this whole deal. I returned part-time (half days) after the fourth week. I was working full days by my sixth week and I was really tired. I suggest taking the full six weeks if you can. I was bored at home and felt fine while I was doing nothing, but as soon as I went back to work it wasn't so easy.

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

I went in to the hospital on Tuesday July 30, 2002 and was out by 5:00pm on Friday of that same week. My hospital stay was as to be expected. I was ready to get home and start recovering on my own. I did really appreciate the morphine pump, though! I didn't really use anything I brought with me except my toothbrush and hairbrush. I did start my period while I was there and have heard since that that is pretty common. I ended up having to use the hospital maxi pads and they SUCK so bring your own!

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

Other than normal pain no complications whatsoever so I am a bad resource in that department.

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 used this web site a lot. I talked with my friends and family (who were willing to listen) about my fears and what I was looking forward to. I was very excited and just wanted to get the surgery over with so I could get on with my life as a thin person.

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

I was really questioning my decision after it was all over and I was home. I was mourning food a great deal and in a lot of pain. I felt like a freak because I couldn't eat hardly anything and it didn't take me too long to eat. While everyone around me were still eating I was finished and watching them all- miserably full and embarrassed that I was already finished. It was the hardest time for me. It got better, though and I would do it all again in a minute. It was all worth it.

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

I was lucky to have asurgeon and a hospital right where I was- Conyers, Georgia.

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.

I couldn't eat chicken at all at first- now I can. I would throw up rice and chicken and if I ate too much. It has been ten months since my surgery and I haven't thrown up in probably three months and I have lost 123 pounds. I have to stay away from sugar and greasy things- I get very queasy and shaky but I don't throw up anymore. I guess I have learned what not to do by now.

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

I walked as much as I could but I tired out really easily and I was afraid of overdoing it. I worked up to about a half mile a day about two weeks after my surgery.

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

I take a supplement recommended by my surgeon's nurse who has also had the surgery called Daily One caps. It costs about $25 for a 90 day supply and get them at a local health food store. They have worked very well for me.

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

My best friend Robin had surgery at the end of April- she is my best support and the most important to me. There is also a local support group that meets once a month that I believe is very important. I missed the August one because I was recovering from surgery, but I am planning on going to the September one and those thereafter. Finally my day to day support is my husband and my little girl. We are all going through this together and doing well.

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

My scar is located just below my breastbone and is 4 1/2" long. (I just measured it) I also had my gallbladder removed laproscopically due to gallstones and have two tiny incisions on the right side of my belly. They actually took my gallbladder out of my bellybutton so there is an incision there. Finally I have a small round scar where my drain tube was. I came home with it and it was removed nine days after surgery. So all in all I have four very small scars and the one big one. It has faded considerably after 10 months.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am 10 months post op and have lost 123lbs. My weight loss has slowed down considerably because I am able to eat more and I am not excercising as regularly as I should be. When I do excercise I lose more. I have been a size 16 for about 3 months and I know I am continuing to lose but it seems a lot slower now. I am almost a 14 now and sometimes I lose inches and not pounds. I am staying positive though.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think I am treated with more respect now. I notice more people willing to look me in the eye now and speak. I guess I am like that more now too. I am definitely getting more male attention as well. It makes my husband proud that I am getting attention. It really has boosted my self confidence.