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

A friend of my moms had it and she had good success with it, so i decided to check with her surgeon. And after I found out how good of results she had, I just had to try it. I am so glad I did too!!!!

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

I had no problem getting approved. Dr Rupps office took care of everything for me. They really know what they are doing. My insurance when I applied was Blue Cross/Blue shield, but after 2004 it went to medica. I was approved first try.

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

He made me feel comfortable, he sat down and chatted and then talked about my obesity and health problems. He never made me feel like i was FAT person. It maybe helped that he knew i was a LPN and understood lots of medical things. He explained everything from what types of surgery,to how long for healing,pain meds,what to expect after surgery,vitamins,diet and exercise. I felt so good after talking to him. Dr Rupp is awesome.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that i had to do something about my weight because i wouldnt last 10 more years at this weight. I knew this was a major surgery and i would be facing some hurdles and who knows i may not even survive surgery. But I had to try this, it worked for everyone i know and afterall they wouldnt be doing these surgeries if people were dying. I had to do it and I was determined to do it and hope for a new life.After talking to Dr. Rupp and his nurses i knew i was making the right choice for a surgeon.

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

It was much better than I expected, being a nurse and knowing the nursing shortage, I was very impressed with the staff. They were all concerned and wanted to make me feel comfortable. I really didnt need to bring anything with except my robe and slippers and later when I could shower, I was glad to have my personal things like shampoo and stuff. I should have brought a back scratcher though. I was in in ICU for 1 day and on surgical floor for 4 days. I was not happy about walking right after surgery,but it was a good thing. They had staff there that did the walks and I knew when she came, I better get my legs moving!

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

No real complications, just that I quit breathing in surgery and they attempted to ventilate me and I could feel that I wanted to breathe, but I couldnt move,speak or communicate that. After a few minutes they placed a CPAP with Oxygen on me and I was fine. Went to ICU for monitoring. I remember my surgeon talking to me about it right after the incident and he said i was a real trooper....

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 really wasnt scared, I knew this is what I wanted to do and if something happened where it took my life it was my choice. I had a positive mind. Even the nite before the surgery I didnt sleep good, but it was because I had waited so long for this to happen, i couldnt believe that it was finally here and was hoping there was nothing to stop it now. I felt i was gettng a new life and had nothing but gratefullness.

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

Expect some pain from the staples, they really pull at the skin. Some pain with movement, like getting out of bed,off sofa and chairs, but once i was up it was better. The pain really didnt last more than a few weeks, It was much better after the staples were removed. I healed up nicely inspite of having lupus and being on prednisone. I only took pain meds at nite. I guess i have a high pain tolerance. It wasnt bad, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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

It was a 3 hour drive. My mom picked me up at the hospital door and the nurse helped me get in the car. I wore my jeans home that i wore to the hospital. We stopped once to use a bathroom and I dont remember if i napped in the car or not. I think i was so anxious to get home i couldnt sleep. The ride home was fine.

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 ate jello,puddings,mashed potatoes,cream soups. I did overeat a few times and had to throw up. As the weeks went on i tried new foods such as baked potatoe which went good. Boneless,skinless chicken on the geo.forman grill,cod,tuna. Meats such as ham,hamburger,pork chops,turkey coldcuts didnt go that well because i couldnt chew them down enough. I could eat maybe 1/3 of a chicken breast after 2 months post op. I know i need to eat protein first, so i rarely have any room for veggies.

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

Pretty much stayed home, i did go in for groceries and tried to do some walking around the store. But didnt lift for 6 weeks. I was always walking around the house and sometimes outside if it was nice out. I would say on a level of 1-5 with 5 being highest my activity level was a 2.

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

I take 2 chewable childrens vitamins a day and 2 tums because i am not drinking milk like i used to before surgery. I tried protein shakes, but since i have kidney problems they were adding extra protein to my urine and i was advised to stop. Since then I have had no problems with kidneys.

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?

Just vomitting if i ate too much or didnt chew enough. I slept good as i normally do at nite. No hair loss. No nausea.

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

Just the pain from the staples and having lots of gas after surgery and difficulty making it to the toilet in time. Had some loose stools, but that cleared up.

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

I used the web site www.obesityhelp.com and that was my best thing. I had alot of support from family and friends. I have never been depressed or regrets of having surgery. I dont miss food. I eat to stay alive, not live for eating as i did before. Food will not take over my life again, there is more than that to keep one happy. I wished i would have discovered that a long time ago.

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

Its from my breast bone to navel (belly button) and its what i expected. Its healed up nicely. I am pleased.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes they look at me when i talk, they are interested in me. I look at people and love to chat with them. I guess when you have a positive outlook on life people can feel that too. I know i have a long ways to go and more weight to loose, but if this is a taste of it I am loving it alot!!!!