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

I heard of bariatric surgery probably 20 years ago, at least. A woman I worked with had the surgery, back in 1984, I believe. She had a lot of success, initially, but because the procedure was done differently back then, she ended up gaining all her weight back. My initial impressions were that it was a last resort, something that required a lot of recovery and hospitalization, something I would never consider for myself.

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

Based on stories I've heard from other people, I feel incredibly fortunate for the insurance I have and the ease I had in getting approved. Paperwork was sent to my insurance company, Cigna PPO, by the doctor's office. About a month later, I checked with them to see if they received the papers and to ask where I stood. They said they never received the paperwork, so the doctor's office resent it and with the assistance of a VERY helpful person at the insurance company, I received notice that the papers were received and were being sent to the appropriate department for review. A few days later, I called again to check the status and was told that it was held up because the code used in the paperwork was not recognized by the insurance company as a valid code. They apparently didn't have a code for Laparoscopic RNY, only for the open surgery and needed clarification. We faxed a letter describing the actual procedure, making it very clear that it was the same process as the open surgery, but just done laparoscopically. A few days later, I was approved and received a letter (after asking for one) from my insurance company, stating my approval. My strongest advice would be to stay on top of your insurance company. They did not communicate to me, or anyone, that they required additional information. You have to be tenacious, obnoxious, polite, but stern. Don't leave it up to them to let you know... you have to find out for yourself.

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

When I first met my surgeon, my intent was to get information, to feel him out, to see what's what. My immediate impression of him was extremely positive and I felt immediately comfortable and safe. He spent about 2 hours with me, answering questions, giving me details of what to expect from surgery and for my life after surgery. It's best do some research prior to seeing the doctor. Hopefully, you're seeing this particular person because you've heard great things about him/her, you know someone who's used him/her or some other reason that makes you feel at least somewhat comfortable with this person. But with respect to the surgery, read up on it. Do your homework, because then you can approach your visit with questions (written down, don't rely on memory) and concerns based on knowledge and not hearsay. Write down his answers, don't be afraid to ask about anything you need to know. This isn't the time to be shy, be forthright, direct, open.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

On my first visit to the surgeon, we set a date. At that point in time, I was pretty sure this was what I wanted to do. About 2-3 weeks prior to my surgery date, I became quite scared and was seriously considering to not go forward with it. I went to a support group meeting, hoping to meet other people who had had the procedure and talking to them about overcoming my fears. There weren't too many post-op types at this meeting, but the surgeon was there and made himself very available to answer whatever questions I had. I think when I went in for my initial meeting with him, the questions I had were more surface and although I was satisfied with the answers, didn't really address all the possible negatives associated with the surgery. I had been reading more and it seemed, finding all the bad stuff about the surgery. At the support group, I was able to ask the surgeon about all the negative stuff and he was able to allay all of my fears...well, most of them. At the end of the meeting, he took my hands in his, looked me in the eye and told me he'd take very good care of me. I believed him and decided that night, to move forward with my plans. I do not regret my decision and he did take very good card of me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The only two procedures I knew about were the RNY and the Band. I asked about the band and was told it wasn't an effective, or long lasting, procedure. I had always been leaning toward the RNY anyway and had met several people who had had it and were doing very well. there was no question that I would have it done laparoscopically as I wouldn't even have considered an open procedure.

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 every fear there is to have. I was afraid of dying, yes. I was afraid of the possibility of stroke, bowel obstruction and all the other possible problems associated with this surgery. If someone goes into this without fear, they are probably not a good candidate as there must be something wrong with them. Mostly, I was afraid of myself. Given my past dieting history, consisting mostly of succeeding for a time, but then failing miserably, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to maintain the type of lifestyle necessary to be successful and HEALTHY after surgery. Taking vitamins, drinking a lot of water, exercise, preparing food, was never at the top of my "to do" list and I was concerned that I wouldn't do it. It always struck me as ironic that the post-surgey life requires a lot of work, a lot of attention to detail and that the people having this surgery are the same people who couldn't pay attention to detail (for whatever reason) in their "normal" lives. But, I decided that if others could do it, so could I and am proud to say that I have been a very faithful follower of the rules and regulations.

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?

Since I had been so incredibly unhappy, for so long, the idea of surgery was brought up by some family members long before I decided to pursue it. So, when I finally decided to go forward, my family was very supportive. At first, I thought I would keep this a secret from everyone and just tell them on a need-to-know basis. I decided that wasn't my style and started to tell some friends and co-workers a couple of months prior to the date. Of course, I told my boss, who was extremely supportive and told me to take as much time as I needed. As the date drew closer, I sent an email to my department telling them I'd be out for 2 weeks. Most asked if I was going on vacation and at that point I told them what I was doing. Every single person I told, friend and co-workers, everyone was very supportive and excited for me. People who know me know I've been fighting for a long time and want me to be happy. They were all concerned about the dangers, but excited about the outcome. The wife of one of my co-workers is the Health Reporter at our local Fox News station and I when I told her what I was doing, I asked if Fox would be interested in doing a report on it/me. Eventually the answer was "yes" and they filmed me several times, even on the day of surgery and in the operating room and a few times since. The plan is to revisit me in May, film me again (my surgery was in January '03) and show the story during May sweeps. Obviously, I decided to "come out of the closet" with respect to my surgery and feel very comfortable discussing it with anyone who has a question or wants to hear about it. Ever since the surgery, I have received enormous support in the way of compliments and "attaboys" from most everyone I know.

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

My boss is a woman and several months prior to actually making a decision, I talked with her about the prospect of the surgery, the time away from work and any other ramifications I could think of. She was so very supportive and told me that whatever I needed to do would be all right with her. When I finally made the decision and told her my date, she mostly felt bad because she'd planned to be on vacation at that time and wouldn't be here for me. I had surgery on January 21 and was back at work on February 3. Not a lot of time off, but it wasn't really necessary and I didn't want to take advantage of her kindness.

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

I was in the hospital for only 2 nights. This was my very first hospital stay and to be honest, I had no idea what to expect. Every person I had contact with at my hospital, was kind, considerate and thoughtful. From the surgeon to the nurse to the transport guy, they were all very nice and if one can enjoy a hospital stay, I can say that I enjoyed mine. Of course, they don't give you a moment's rest, coming in at all hours to check your temperature, etc, but that's to be expected and I appreciated the good care. The most important thing that I had with me, was my Mother :) Definitely bring a robe and comfortable shoes... I'd suggest slip-ons, no tie shoes as bending over won't be the easiest thing for a while. There's nothing else you need... you're not there long enough to actually need anything. Wear loose-fitting pants, don't worry about a bra and just be comfortable.

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

I didn't have a single complication.

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 believe I brought new meaning to the word "obsessive!" I got my date on November 7 and had to wait until January 21. That's a long time inbetween and I believe I spent every waking moment (and some sleeping ones) thinking about the surgery, worrying about the surgery and fantasizing about the post-surgical life I might have. As far as coping with anxiety, I cried... a lot. I talked to people... a lot. I went to a support group meeting and had my fears allayed.

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

I was a little anxious about leaving the hospital. When you're there, you have people all over the place, at the ready to help if you need it, to bring you "meals" and take care of you. Going home was a bit scary, but I had help with me and was ready to see what happened next. Eating is a bit overwhelming at first. You're supposed to get so much liquid inside you and A) you're not at all hungry and B) you have so little room in there. Plus, I was terrified of doing it wrong and of throwing up (I've never thrown up, since surgery). I got the hang of it pretty early on and just took each day as it came. The most important thing, initially, is to make sure you don't dehydrate. Getting all the protein in isn't as important as the water, at first. You should expect to be a little confused, a bit overwhelmed and then you should expect to snap out of it and take back control of your life. You have to participate in what you're doing, go slow and keep track of everything you eat and especially of all the meds, vitamins and other nutrients you intake.

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

I traveled about 5 miles to have the surgery :)

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.

Since I am only 2 months out from surgery, I haven't tried too many different things, yet. I'm taking it slow and am grateful for every new item I've been able to enjoy. After surgery, think of yourself as a newborn baby with the same sort of tolerance a newborn might have. At first, you are on clear liquids (sugar free popcicles are yummy!), then about 1 week to 10 days later, you can start eating mushy foods such as apple sauce, scrambled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. Around the 3rd week out, I was able to eat soft foods, such as ground turkey and chicken, tuna salad, crackers, hummus, etc. Starting the 4th week out, I was able to add bread, "real" chicken and a bunch of other things I can't think of right now. I can now eat salads, more vegetables, whole fruit and a lot of things I find tasty. I haven't found anything that actually disagrees with me, but haven't tried everything there is to try, just yet. I think after 3 months out, the choices become greater.

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

In the support group meeting I attended, prior to surgery, I learned that walking was very important in the recovery process. I was up and walking, the same day as surgery and each day after, I walked a little more. Your desire is to lay in bed and sleep, but it's important to get up and I tried to do as much as I could. Since it was incredibly cold outside, it was difficult to do any major walking, although I did go to the mall a few times and trekked around there. I have been delayed in working out as much as I'd like, by a shoulder injury (not related to the surgery) and am addressing that with physical therapy. I am not at all impaired from movement by the surgery and found that each day has shown improvement from the day before.

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

I have been taking children's chweable vitamins (2 daily) and tums for calcium (3 daily). I also take a sub-lingual vitamin B-12 once a week. For a protein supplement, I found that Pro Blend 55 is the most tasty and you can easily order it online, from Vitalady.com. You can also get samples from Vitalady which was a huge help in choosing a protein supplement. As an aside, Centrum has developed an adult chewable vitamin and you only need one a day with those.

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?

One of the most difficult things for me was having to sleep on my back, as opposed to my tummy or curling up on my side. Initially I had sleep issues because of this, but around week 3, I found I was able to sleep on my right side and that was better. I have never vomitted (thank goodness) and had a dumping episode (my first) just yesterday. Don't want to do that again as it was most uncomfortable. The only good thing was that I had read it lasts for only 30 minutes and that's what kept me going, was knowing it would end soon... and it did. After that, I was fine.

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

There were three worst parts. The first one was the day before surgery when you're made to drink a full gallon of something called "GoLitely" a complete misnomer. It's not that this stuff tastes so bad (it's kind of like a lemon flavored alka-seltzer w/o the bubbles), but that you're required to drink an 8 oz glass every 10 minutes, until it's all gone. In between drinking, you're running to the bathroom. It's hours and hours of this process and not something I care to repeat anytime soon. The second worst thing is the day of surgery, when you wake up and are the most thirsty you've ever been. Because they need to wait until the next day to check for leaks, you're denied any sort of liquid, not even ice chips. You ARE allowed to rinse your mouth, which offers little relief and I was simply miserable. The third worst part was the day after surgery when you're taken for an upper G.I. to check for leaks. Most people get some sort of disgusting chalky liquid to drink for this procedure, but not us post-op WLS types. Because of absorption issues, we're given this orange flavored, syruppy thick, horrible, gross, disgusting stuff which requires sipping several times. The stuff is bad enough on its own, but is made even worse because it's the very first thing you're allowed to drink and it's not pleasant.

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

This is something I'm really struggling with. My current source of support is my wonderful Dietician, Amanda. She's really the only person I can call when I have an issue or a question and she's always so helpful. I would very much like someone who's just a little ahead of me, who I can talk to and get some questions answered, when they arise. There's a support group meeting that takes place monthly, but seems more geared toward pre-ops and not posts. There's a friend of a friend who is probably 5 weeks behind me and I've offered to be there for him, when he needs someone. I would love to have that sort of support, but don't actually know how to find it.

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

I have 6 incisions in my stomach, one of which is in my belly button, so it doesn't count. The others are still quite red and very sensitive to touch. I didn't expect anything different and know they will dissipate over time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 3 weeks out, I "suffered" quite a long plateau, which lasted for several days. I became concerned that I would be the only person to have weight loss surgery and actually gain weight from it! After looking on the Obesityhelp.com website, I learned that this wasn't unusual and that it would pass. It did.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I haven't noticed any changes as yet, but am not that far along in my weight loss, at this time. I believe my life experiences will change (for the better) as time goes on and look forward to every new adventure.