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

My doctor said that if the liquid diet I was on did not work my only other option was surgery. In was terrified. That's a pretty drastic step. And what would people say? Even though I knew I needed to lose alot of weight before I could have my hips replaced, I was not going to do that!

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 get approval. While my blue cross of idaho does provide for this surgery, my policy thru my work specifically excludes it even when medically necessary so I paid for it out of pocket.

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

I went to a "general information" meeting first with my mother. It was interesting, but I was still a bit leary. We asked alot of questions and talked to several people who had the surgery already. I took alot of notes.....

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

When I compared the risks of the surgery to the risks of living the way I was there was no decision to be made. I had no choice. I really figured I would be dead before long if I did nothing. My mother was still not on board at this time. Still scared I think.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor decided for me. I put total trust in this man, and have never regreted it.

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?

Again, you have to weigh all the pros and cons. I did not consider what I was doing as living anyway, and if I died, at least I would be at peace. I had some concerns regarding post op problems because I live several hours from my surgeon, but spoke with my family doctor who assured me that they would be in constant contact and if there were problems they would be available to help.

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 family was worried, but very proud that I was taking steps to get my life and health back. I told everyone what I was going to do. They had alot of questions and were excited for me. Since surgery things have been a little strange. People are still supportive, but I've lost some friends along the way. My friends were almost all large so maybe there is some jealousy. Maybe they'll come around, maybe not. Regardless, I will go on and I'm loving it.

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

I was out of work for 3 full weeks and then went back part time for the next week. My boss knew what I was doing and was supportive.

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

I was there for three days and then because I live several hours away I was asked to stay in a hotel to be sure there were no problems after discharge. The hospital staff was great. I did nothing but sleep so I needed nothing.

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

I was extremely sore in my back and hips afterwards. I have birth defects that make it hard to lay flat, so my time on the operating table caused some pain. For some reason my veins gave out too so I had about 14 IV sticks in the three days I was there. Other than that no problems 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 was so anxious to come home and move at my own pace. My daughter in law thought I needed looking after so she came for several days. I really didn't need anything though. Showering was a bit tough the first couple of times and getting in and out of bed caused some discomfort. I did have some pain meds that I came home with, but I didn't use it much. I was constipated for awhile and tried the mineral oil (which caused me to vomit for the first time!) ugh!!!

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

Just take things slowly and don't rush to do anything. It was really weird to not be hungry. I told my husband he was on his own because I knew there was no way I was going to be able to cook for him and not eat it. He was a truck driver and on the road for a month after my surgery, so it really wasn't a problem. I had to set the alarm to remember to eat the meals I was supposed to eat.

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

I'm a few hours away so it involved taking time off work and alot of driving. Winter set in and I stopped going to support meetings and only made 2 follow up visits. I met another pt that lived near me so we speak on the phone and discuss our problems. And my regular was great.

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 did the broth, jello, popcicles, eggs, yogurt then to tuna which has been a staple for me. I can't eat meat. I do eat pasta and I love green beans in fat free cream of mushroom soup with cheddar cheese. I still love popcicles. I do get bored, but when I think of the alternative, the boredom is easy to live with.

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

I slept alot as I do after every surgery. My hips kept me from doing much of anything. That has improved with the weight loss.

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

I take flintstones vitamins and tums twice a day and a sublingual b12

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'm seven months out and I still vomit several times a week. I think it's because I get bored with what I'm eating and want to find someting new. Branching out has it's downside! And I'm still losing my hair. I have half of what I started with. I've learned to back comb and use alot of hairspray!

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

I know that when I first had the surgery there had to be something that was just "awful". At this point and feeling as totally fabulous as I feel I can't think of one.

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

My support group is far away and there was nothing local until just this month. I have a fellow bariatric pt that I call and we chat about problems. when I'm feeling frustrated or scared I do whatever it takes to get to a group, even if it means driving in a snowstorm. It's that important!

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

several very small scars. I have had too many operations to count so they are hardly noticed when you look at the big picture!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My weight loss has slowed just recently and the doctor assures me that it is supposed to happen this way. It's a little bit of a let down because I'm not where I want to be and of course I want it all to happen as fast as it was in the beginning.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Very. Friends are no longer friends. I guess we have nothing in common now that I don't eat the way I did. Most of my friends were large and everything we did revolved around food. I like being flirted with........I'd forgotten how good that felt.