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

I work at a nursing home home and each morning, all department heads are responsible for attending a morning meeting. We were discussing one of the residents and one of my peers made the comment that she thought this surgery would be great for this particular patient. At that time I had made an appointment to see a plastic surgeon but thought, as well as starting asking my co-worker more about the surgery, why not look into it. I was given the name of a surgeon and called to schedule an appointment.

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

Well, I'm still trying to get approved. Initially the case management department denied the procedure pending further documentation that I had tried a physician supervised program for at least a year. I started trying to collect medicals as I have seen several doctors. However, upon paying the "outragous" fees to have my records duplicated, I have discovered that neither phsician has documented all the things completed that I've tried over the course of time. As of August 1, 2002, the company that I work for changed administartors handling all medical claims. I called the surgeons office to inform this of this change and the office called the new case management department to start the process all over again. Thus far, all paperwork has been submitted to them and now I wait at the mercy of this new administrator.

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

The first meeting with Dr. Elariny was very informative. He held a group discussion where all questions were answered. He also discussed the different procedures and advised that we take the material home and decide which procedure we felt was best for us. At our one on one with Dr. Elariny, it was expected at that time that we would discuss the procedure and any other questions we may have that were not asked at the discussion group. I found Dr. Elariny to be quite informative and new that the procedure I had chosen was the best one for me. I was also confident that I had chosen the right surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

As I researched the procedure, I condisered alot of issues. I thought about my family's medical history as well as my own personal aches and pains and the decision was easy. I came to the conclusion that I had lost control of my life and that I wanted it back. For me the research and testing was the first step in doing that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Based upon the information that was provided my Dr. Elariny, I decided that the VGB with band was the best procedure for me.

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?

Initially, the possibility of dying scared me. However, weighing all the health risks of not having the procedure scares me even more. I've done alot of praying about my decision and will coontinue to have faith in my Lord and Savior and with that, I know all is well.

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 children, especially the 15 yr old, are a little apprehensive however they know the struggles and unhappiness better than anyone. I think they see the happiness when I talk about finally being able to enjoy, to have a life again. I have a "play brother" as well as a biological brother who have both said "don't do it". I think its more from lack of knowledge than anything else and I plan on sharing this and other websites with them so as to ease their worries just a bit. All other support systems are great. Now friends and family are calling me to find out about a surgery date:O)

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

I haven't really discussed it with them yet. I have told my immediate supervisor that I am looking into it however I don't feel the need at this point to go into it any further until I have a surgery date.

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

My hospital stay was not a very pleasant one. The staff and the hospital itself made my stay unpleasant. The room was not really equipped to handle semi-private occupancy at all. the room was extremely small. There was no where for me to hang my coat. The was no where, other than the one chair in the room, to store my overnight bag. There was not eve a bedside table (nightstand) for me to use. The bathroom was also very small. I don't feel that the room was properly cleaned daily. I was hospitalized from Monday til late Wednesday night. My physician had written orders to discharge me on Tuesday however the nursing staff did not bother to read all of the surgeon's orders and thus I was kept in the hospital an additional night until I demanded that they call him to find out when I was being released. There were occassions when my roommate or myself would call for assistance and it would take the staff 2 hrs to thoroughly respond to our needs. There was lots of commotion, noise on the night shift, that did not allow for a compfortable night's sleep. I had to argue with the Respiratory therapist in order to get them to call the physician to get clarification on a neb treatment order. The lists of issues with this hospital go on and on (smile). As far as what to bring, I was most comfortable with having my own toothbrush and personal items. I bought my own bathrobe and pj's.

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

no complications at all.

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 became very excited because I feel that I had started the process some time ago and was at that point ready to complete the process. I was never afraid as GOD did not give me a sense of fear however once at the hospital and being wheeled into the OR, I found myself a bit nervous but this was a normal thing for me as I hate the fact that I am being put to sleep and without any control.

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

The first few weeks have been wonderful. I've not had any problems at all other than having to remember to eat or to drink so as not to become dehydrated. I was given instructions from my surgeon as to how to ensure that I get the required amount of fluids down daily and since then, everything has been okay. I am working out at the gym 2-3 times per week and when I am not able to get to the gym, I make sure that I am lifting small weights at home and using my ab machine. One of the things I have noticed though is my energy level has not come back to normal however I'm not really concerned with that at this point because I realize that I have had major surgery and that will take some time. I also use a muti-vitamin 2-3 times per day at my physician's recommendation and thus all is okay.

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

only a 45 min drive to the hospital and physician's office.

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.

at first I was able to eat an egg however that has now changed. I was never a big egg eater however now it simply wont stay down. Mentally I think I prepared myself for the fact that I wouldn't have a big appetite so the small amounts don't really bother me. I think the one thing that I do need to get used to is the uncomfortable feeling I get when I may have had one bite too many so now its 3-4 bites and I'm done(smile). The one thing that I can say that has been hard to get used to is the fact that I can't take a "gulp" of water now but rather small sips at a time and that bothers me some times especially since I know that I need at least 64 oz per day. 13 months post-op: I basically eat what I want in moderation and knowing what my limitations are. I realize that I can't eat alot of sweets and not expect that they will sit on my hips(smile) and so I avoid consuming "quantities". Please don't misinterpret. If I crave something and usually for women their is a time of the month where we all crave something (smile), I do not deprive myself because I realize for me that would be setting myself up for failure and fail at this I will not!

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

I've already gotten up to 1 1/2 miles of walking 3-4 times per week. I usually stay at the gym for at an hour each time I go. My goal has been to increase my activity level and work out as much as I can so that I'm not going back and having to ask to have skin removed because its hanging. I'm working at that goal, believe me(smile). 13 months post-op: I am proud to be a part of a wonderful group of women around the country who have had a form of bariatric surgery. We encourage each other through the good times as well as the bad. One of the groups biggest "cause" is exercise, water and protein intake. Through this group of phenomenal women, I stay encouraged to get in the gym or home exercise and when I don't I feel horrible emotionally and physically. But because of this wonderful lifestyle, I have constantly been told that I look like I did 24 yrs ago in high school. Now granted, I'm not in that size 7 nor am I 110 pounds however for a mother of 2 the eldest being 27 and the youngest 17, I look darn good!!!!!! I have the energy now because of my exercise regimen and WLS to do anything I want to do!!!!!

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

I take 2-3 multi-vitamins per day. I am now 13 months post-op, Januaru 30, 2004, I take 1 multi-vitamin without iron, calcium suppliment and B12 everyday. the reason for the multi-vit without iron is that I was diagnosed with a condition where my body produces too much iron and thus the need for not having iron in the suppliment as my body might go into iron overload. My advise would be to follow your physician's advise VERY carfeully.

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?

none really until today. Today I tried to have an egg with cheese and it did not agree with me at all. Side effects-13 months post-op. None really. I have learned to adjust to my "new" body and lifestyle changes. I except that my sytem can't take certain things such as pasta, tomatoe based sauces. pork, high acid based items, such as oragne juice without water added and because I know this, I simply stay away from those things. Again this was about relearnign what I could and could not have. I do not have "dumping" however I do know that if I eat something that my system does not tolerate or if I eat one bit too much, it will come back up and believe me it is not a comfortable feeling and thus I choose to listen when my body says that I've had enough.

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

the hospital stay and waiting for the scheduling of the surgery. The surgeon is extremely busy. His staff wasn't always the most efficient but I dealt with it.

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

Will be attending first support group this coming Tuesday. 13 months post-op: WOW!!!!!!!!! I have found the most amazing group of women on line!!!!!! These women encourage me through the ups and downs and because of them and my new found faith in myself I can and am doing this. Helpful/Important? That's funny to me because on those days when I don't think I have it in me to push on, I go on line to my support sisters and man oh man, instantly I am renewed. I wouldn't change anything about the last 13 months. I have learned so much through my faith in GOD and myself. I have gained a family circle of online sisters and each and everyday, I am reminded just how wonderful life has become because they are a part of my life. We have cried together and boy do we laugh together. Now that is what family is all about.

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

I have 3 very little, less than 1/2 inch "incions" (if that's what you want to call them) and one less than 1/2 inch through my belly button. To put it mildly, "What Scar?" I think I expected more of a scar however am very pleased with Dr. Elariny's work.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

n/a thus far 13 months post-op: I have had several plateaus. I don't beat myself up about them anymore. I simply up my exercise regimen, water and protein intake and it starts coming back off. I am 1 dress size away from goal and only 20 pounds away from goal!!!!!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

well, I work a part time job in addition to a full time job. I had not shared with my part time job my having weight loss surgey until the day after the surgery and the inquiries have been amazing. I work in healthcare at both places and the part time position is at a hospital where the procedure is performed however according to some of the nurses I've spoken with, they are amazed at how well I have done and the actual "incision sites". Everyone has truly been wonderful and have embraced me and given compliments galore. So to sya that I am happy is an understatement, but I do know from where my blessings flow! 13 months post-op: Do people treat me differently? YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! But its okay. I stay grounded and those that I feel are not being sincere or those that kept me at a distance pre-surgery, I now keep at that same distance.