Barbara S.

Obesity & Me

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

I had experienced a large amount of depression and low self esteem. I was finding it less desirable to be out in public and join others at social functions. I was disgusted with my lack of self-control and my appearance.

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

My health was declining and I could not participate in things that i wanted to do or experinece. My weight was always a consideration in any activity. Buying clothes was embarassing and difficult task.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

Being to cross my legs!!! Walking, using a regular seat belt, fitting into chairs, not being out of breath, not worrying about how my weight effects activities, not worrying about embarassing myself with activities that have weight limits. Shopping for clothes.......going to any store (not specialty) and finding items that fit.

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

I am a nurse and knew of people that had the surgery, but it was proposed to me by a cardiologist. My EKG showed a slight abnormality that the cardiologist contributed to my obesity and he informed me that the procedure could be done without open surgery and that made me pursue it further.

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

I did not experinece any problems. Keep records of alternative methods tried to lose weight and their outcome. Get recommendations from your cardiologist, orthopedic MD, primary MD, or any other doctors that you see related to obesity complications. Write a letter explaining why you feel you need this surgery.

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

He explained the surgery, the risks, the outcome, and what was to be expected. Ahead of time make a list of questions and get your surgeon to answer them! If you find that he is evasive or you have difficult getting answers then leave! Be sure that he has a lot of experience in this operation. I was impressed that I was required to have a mental evaluation & attend a behavior modfication class.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I felt confident in my surgeon and I was ready for a change. I knew that if I continued my path that I would lead a painful and shorter life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided that RNY was the most common surgery with good results. I also decided on a laprascopic procedure to avoid a large incision and possible post-op hermia

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 didn't have any fears of complications or dying. Unfortunately, I almost did die and had several complications. I strongly advise that people research this surgery and the potential complications. The risks in relation to other surgeries is high. This not a "cure all" and people need to make an informed decision.

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 boyfriend were very apprehensive about the surgery. They questioned me about different ways to attain weight loss, but when they realized that I really wanted this operation, they were supportive. Post-op everyone was extremely supportive!

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 supportive, but concerned. I work in a hospital, so they were aware of what was involved. I expected to be out of work about 4-6 weeks, but due to complications, I was out 3 months and returned on limited duty for several weeks.

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

I was hospitalized twice...the first was the initial lap procedure, then open surgery several days later due to complications. I was in two different hospitals. The first hospital stay was a bad experience. I was on a onocology unit, due to a bed shortage and the nurses were unexperienced with bypass surgery. if I hadn't been a nurse and read by bypass manual, I would have had some serious problems. I was there 2 nights. The second hospital (which I requested) was excellent. The ICU staff was great as was med/surg. The med/surg unit was actually a gastric bypass unit that specialized in post-op pts. Everything was geared for these post-op pts and they were very knowledgeable. Several of the nurses had RNY's and this was very helpful. I was in this facility 9 days. Comfort items, fresh changes of clothes, dry shampoo, and comfortable clothes.

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

Yes! I developed a leak which resulted in open surgery. I had peritonitis, sepsis, and kidney failure. Pleural effusions, C-diff toxin, thrush, edema, and required peripheral nutrition. Being a nurse helped me to understand the complications, but mentally I was exhausted and felt horribly ill. I had my emotional breakdowns, but had wonderful support from my doctors and family.

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. I enjoyed some foods that I knew would be forever restricted and looked forward to a new life. Of course, I was a little nervous, but I spent more time trying to reassure my family and friends.

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

It was rough. It was very difficult maintaining your nutritional requirements. It took a very long time to consume anything. You are tired. Eating/drinking became a chore and not enjoyable at all.

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

About 60 miles. It was tiresome to have to go to an hour for follow-up visits, but I felt it was worth it. My MD also worked with my primary MD to limits my trips.

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.

My first few weeks consisted of water, jello, popsicles, broth, and a protein drink. Everything sugar free. After the first few weeks, I graduated to scrambled eggs (1), cottage cheese, fruit, grits, and soft foods. No meat and everything low fat and sugar free. Gradually, I started eating some pasta, chicken, yogurt, vegetables.I ate a lot of seafood (shrimp & scallops mostly) Sometimes things settled well, but I had many episodes of vomiting. My diet now is fairly normal. Very low in fat, sugar free, and nothing fried. I limit my bread intake and NO real ice cream. I have managed to change to a healthy diet and enjoy it. Carbonated beverages are strictly off limits

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

Due to complications my energy and activity level was at an all time low. Breathing was difficult and I was very tired. Eventually, it improved.

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

I take calcium, magnesium, Vit A, Vit D, multi-vitamin and B12. These will be a lifetime committment. I had to take protein supplements for the first few months, but this is no longer required.

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?

Initially, shortness of breath and nausea were the worst. The shortness of breath was due to my complications and not a common side effect. Breathing exercises helped this. This was for about three weeks. Nausea was difficult and I vomited a lot. I was put on an antiemetic to help with this and eventually resolved. I also had to learn what I can tolerate and what I couldn't. Nausea was internittent for several months. The hair loss started 5 months post-op and that was upsetting. I expected and the MD assured me that it was temporary. It last for almost 3 months, but is now coming back in. I had my hair cut in a different style and just waited it out.

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

Besides my unfortunate complications....I would say the first few weeks and trying to drink and eat the required foods for nutrition. Learning what to eat and how much and to slow the pace of consumption was difficult. Nausea rates high too.

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

I do not participate in a support group at this time. I find comfort in knowing they are there and plan to use them if the need arises.

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

I started out with a lap procedure, but ended up being opened up several days later. I have a six inch scar that healed better than I expected. Unfortunately, I have developed a large abdominal hernia and will require surgery to fix it. I do find the extra skin a little disturbing, but I figure carrying around some extra skin is better than carrying around over one hundred pounds of fat

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I reached a plateau every few months, especially at five months. It has been 14 months since my surgery and I have been at a plateau for several months. I need to exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I receive a lot of compliments. I don't get the stares or looks anymore.
show more answers

ARE YOU READY TO PAY IT FORWARD & SHARE YOUR JOURNEY? Your journey will help highlight the many ways weight loss surgery improves lives and makes a difference in our families, communities and world. EACH JOURNEY COUNTS as a voice towards greater awareness.

Share Now
×