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

I am a nurse so that is how I first heard, my first response was absolutely not no way! Then a nurse friend had it done. When I saw her I was absolutely amazed. She shared her story and encouraged me to investigate. I did and here I am.

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

Getting approval can be difficult. First know you policy and make sure you have a supportive primary doctor. Then stay on top of the situation. Get to the case manager if you can. Call and be persistent but never rude. Be prepared to explain your case and be well informed. Also always keep a journal and note time, date and who you taked to and their response to you.

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

The first meeting went ok for me. I went in and we talked about my desire to have the surgery. He showed me pictures of fatty livers and as a visual learner that was a great tool for me. Dr. K. clearly stated his expectations for his patients including pre-surgery weight loss. He also answered how he suggested I did that. The answer was to begin changing my eating habits to what they would be after surgery. I did and lost 35 pounds. Write down your questions ahead of time and ask them. I firmly believe you must be comfortable with the surgeon or find another. Take someone with you if you need to but leave the kids at home. Also be sure you understand the expectations and what the program offers.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that if I did nothing I would die. I had just turned 40, I couldn't keep up, working was more and more difficult, my legs and back always hurt, and I could barely get around without huffing and puffing. I decided to take my like back. I went to my primary care doc who I trust with my life and told him what I was thinking had he said I shouldn't I wouldn't have instead he supported me and introduced me to a friend of his I call my angel. He continues to be their for me every step of the way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I have a latex allergy and was adament about have laproscopic surgery. I also wanted the RNY because in my opinion the BPD is to drastic.

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?

The week before I was scared I cried alot. The reality hit that I could die. I called my angel, she simply told me how proud she was of me and that she was so excited. I shared my fears and she told me this advice: Go to surgery and think positive thoughts, when you come out it is done and you can't go back. You have begun a new life. I embrace this mantra daily, and it works for me.

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?

I still 9 months later am very selective as to who knows. I would have told each of my family before hand. After surgery they have been very supportive.

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

My agency doesn't know. I made myself unavailable for the schedule. As for returning to work, I could have been back in 2 weeks but it is difficult to do thatdepending on your profession. I ork 12 hour shifts as a nurse. I took 10 weeks off. I was really tired at first and took many naps.

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

The hospital stay was ok. I as admitted on Monday morning before surgery and went home Wednesday evening. The staff was great. You don't need to take much with you as you are to tired to do much. Must haves include a phone card, brush, toothpaste/brush, comfortable clothes to go home in, and a copy of all your preop records just in case you need them. Also bring your own soft kleenex.

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

I had some issues with my heart in recovery but nothing after. It brought home the seriousness of my decisiion. I dealt with them by asking questions and making sure I followed up. The surgery itself has been free of complications.

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 but went on about my business. I got nervous right before abot 3 weeks. I just kept focused and talked with the few people who knew.

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

The first few weeks you should expect low energy. I was so tired and my emotions fluctuated dramatically. Remember your body is making major adjustments. I say take naps frequently, and go to bed early. Your diet depends on the surgeon. It will take some getting used to. Stay focused, don't give up and ask your surgeon to refer you to the support network from your program. It helps to have someone who knows first hand.

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

I traveled to Los Angeles about 40 minutes from 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.

The first 10 days home were only liquids, then soft food for a month and then on to solids a I think 6-8 weeks. I am allergic to Nutrasweet and Sachaccrin so my issues are many. Chicken still at 9 months still can make me sick. Cod always makes me sick. I eat salmon, shrimp, tuna, pork roast, turkey. I have not eaten beef, pasta, rice, bread. I am very careful to keep the carbs as low as I can. I get dumping if I eat anyhing with too many carbs. I love Trader Joes, they have most everything I eat. I do eat beans and cooked veges only, no raw ones, they don't settle well. Tolerance changes on a daily basis, and so does what I want.

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

Exercise is my nemisis. I walked daily for 20 minutes. I now try to get in the activity at the gym that is my current challenge.

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

I took crushed women's one a day at first. Now I use: Ferresequel Iron 1 daily Prenatal Vitamin 1 daily B12 1000mg/B6/Folic Acid 1/week Viactiv Chews 3 per 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?

Hair loss is an issue, it comes and goes. I just ignore it. Dumping is dependent on my diet so I am very careful. The worst side effect comes when I feel sick from eating too fast or being upset and eating. Stay calm when eating, you never want to get sick from stress. I have never had sleep issues since surgery or vomiting.

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

The Nasogastric tube I had overnight. The overall experience has been good, I would do it again.

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

At USC we have both online and group support. We also nowhave dietary support. Support is important to let you know you are not alone. The importance is different for each person.

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

I have 9 1 inch incisions and 1 drain scar. They are all beginning to fade. They are exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have only had 1 at 9 months so far. As you get out it does get harder to lose. It all slows down. Stay off the scale with a plateau or it will make you crazy.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people do treat you differently. They are very nosey about how you are losing. The rumors also get started about you must be sick. I wish they could just be happy for you.