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

I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for a local bariatric surgeon. I then asked my family doctor about it and he immedidately gave me a referral to the bariatric surgeon. (The best part was that my insurance company approved the doctor at 100% payment even though he was out-of-network). I stopped by the surgeon's office and picked up a folder of information he requests all patients to read and be familiar with. I thought that the surgery was the CURE to all my problems. I later learned that it is just a tool that will help me reach my goals.

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

I was fortunate in that I got approval of the surgeon even before seeing him. He was out-of-network, but the insurance company approved him and paid him 100%. (I had to get prior approval just to see the surgeon for an initial consultation). My family doctor had a wonderful woman who did all my referrals and followed through with everything. I did not have one single problem with getting all the testing done that the surgeon required. When all the testing and the request for surgery was submitted to the insurance company, I got approval for the surgery within 3 days. I believe what helped in this situation is that I was in regular contact with a health management person (a nurse) at the insurance company. I would check in with her frequently just to see "if there was anything I could do" to assist her in completing my file. I believe if you can speak with someone regularly at the insurance company that makes you more than a number -- it makes it personal to that person you are dealing with.

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 wonderful. He explained everything, including all the risks and benefits. He spent over an hour with my husband and I. I would suggest that you write down questions you may have prior to going to the doctor and take notes. NOTE: I did not see the surgeon until after seeing a nurse practioner and having all the testing done. I then had an appointment with the surgeon and he decided I was a candidate for the surgery and then all the paperwork was submitted to the insurance company for approval.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Basically, I did not want to die. I have a wonderful husband who has stood by my side through all of this. I have grandchildren I want to see grow up and I did not want to do it on the sidelines. I figured if I didn't lose the weight I was going to die and I didn't want that as an option. I figured I could die having the surgery, but would certainly die if I did NOT have the surgery

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At the time I was investigating the surgery, my doctor did two procedures, the Roux-n-Y and the duodenal switch. The duodenal switch was not totally covered by my insurance and I would have had to pay $4,000 up front to the doctor to have that done. Also, the doctor provided extensive explanations of both procedures and discussed them both with my husband and I.

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?

Fear is a normal feeling to have. You are placing your life in someone else's hands. I felt that any complications could be taken care of and I figured that if I did not have the surgery I was going to die soon anyways. Even after the many complications I had and the fear I had going into the surgery, I would do it again if faced with that choice. It has all been worth it.

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 husband was fearful of losing me whether I had the surgery or not. My sisters were totally against my having the surgery, but ended up being very supportive (and even having the surgery themselves later). I think it would have been a good idea if I had given them all the literature to read that I read before deciding on the surgery. My one sister did visit obesityhelp.com and it helped her understand things better.

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

This did not apply to me as I was considered disabled and unable to work.

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

I went to the hospital expecting to spend one night in ICU and 2 days in a regular room and then be discharged. I spent 5 days in ICU due to complications with my lungs and then 5 days in a regular room because I had already developed a stricture. The hospital professionals were wonderful and took great care of me. You really need to bring very little with you, because quite honestly you won't feel like doing much. I only took personal hygiene items, clothes to wear home and a book (which I found I could not concentrate on).

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

Within 24 hours of my surgery I developed a stricture. I had an EGD and dialation. Over the next year I was treated for strictures 10 times, each time having an EDG and dialation. When you havae a stricture you feel so bad that after the procedure you feel some immediate relief and press on. It was always an outpatient procedure and I was usually home before noon. I just recently had double hernia surgery (caused by bypass surgery). Surgery went well after the doctor discovered that the hernias were much bigger than he anticipated and had to use much more mesh to repair. Two weeks after surgery I was back in the hospital for drainage of a seroma. The following week I was again in the hospital because of MRSA staph infection and gangrene of the surgery site. I had additional surgery and IV antibiotics for almost 3 weeks and I am now doing just fine. The site is completely healed and I have been released by the doctor.

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 excited, anxious, and fearful all at once. I talked things over with my husband many many times. My faith in God helped me to handle the emotional ups and downs. I did find that I had what other pre-op patients call "The Last Supper Syndrome." I wanted to make sure I got to eat everything that I had convinced myself that I would never be able to eat again. I find that this is common among pre-ops with surgery dates.

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

I did really well when I came home from the hospital. I had home health care for approximately one week. You should expect to tire very easily and convince yourself not to do too much too soon. One thing that helped me a great deal was making sure that I walked every day. Seeing as I was in a wheelchair for so long, I set my kitchen oven timer for 5 minutes. I walked back and forth in the house for 5 minutes twice a day. Every other day I would up it a minute. That really helped me regain my strength and I was ready (steady on my feet) to walk outside by the time I got to 15 minutes. I did experience some depression during the first few weeks. I believe I was actually grieving -- grieving the loss of food. There were days I did not want to eat a single thing because I was tired of pureed stuff. Just keep telling yourself -- it will all be worth it in the end. It also helps to talk to other people who are going through the same thing. Go to support group meetings.

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

I went to a local hospital 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.

I found that I could eat something one day with no problem and then not be able to eat it the next day. Most of my problems happened when meat was added to my diet. Red meat is a NO NO for me. After 2 years I can just now eat chicken with no trouble. I was able to eat fish with no trouble. I have to make sure that I eat slowly and chew, chew, chew. Bread is out of the question. It just lays in my pouch until I actually vomit. I actually don't miss the bread for that fact. You should add new foods slowly and in small amounts, remembering that things can change from day to day. I still eat protein first (which is quite filling) so I don't tend to overeat on other things.

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

I started walking in the hospital with the help of a walker. When I came home I set my kitchen oven timer for 5 minutes and walked back and forth in my house twice a day. Every other day I added one minute and by the time I hit 15 minutes I was steady enough on my feet to walk outdoors. I now exercise at least 3 times a week at Curves in addition to walking.

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

I take a multivitamin every day and a B-12 injection once a month. For a while I took biotin and selenium (because my hair was falling out). On occassion when I am too busy to cook and must "eat on the run" I will prepare a protein drink to make sure I get my protein for the day.

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 nausea and vomiting for almost a year after surgery. I think that was the worst thing. I did have hair loss but the supplements and time took care of that. The first year was tough and I had a very good support system in place. I would not have kept my sanity if I didn't have a support system.

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

When I had my surgery, the surgeon would have you do a swallow study to insure there were no leaks or strictures. The medium that you had to drink was absolutely horrible and I had to do it twice because of my stricture. The surgeon has since decided not to do this study after surgery. Also, I think the waiting while going through all the tests is frustrating and takes so long, you begin to wonder if it will ever be completed.

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

Aftercare support is VERY important. I go to Bypass Buddies once a month and I am fortunate that I can call my two sisters and talk with them about the struggles. It always helps to have someone who has travelled in your shoes. The support group meetings are always very informative and encouraging. After two years, I still learn things and I have also been able to be an encouragement to others. It feels good to "give back" a little of what you received.

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

My scar is six inches in length. It is a little bigger than anticipated, but my liver was enlarged and the doctor had to lengthen the incision to move the liver out of the way.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

For the past three months or so I have been on a plateau, even gaining some weight. I increased my activity and seriously watched what I was eating and I have lost that weight and am continuing to lose. I was told that plateaus are to be expected, but to just increase your activity a little and stick with it.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I think the most fun I had was when I ran into a lawyer friend at a local hospital and he did not even have a clue who I was. It really boosted by self-esteem. People are always tellling me how "great" I look and what a good job I've done. I appreciate all the encouragement I can get. I do find that I am not ignored by customer service personnel in stores like I was before I lost the weight.