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

Initially, I started research on the vertical banding. After the first stages and hearing the scare stories, I gave up. I wanted something that was going to be more of a life long partner than, something that was going to break or slip. When I found out about the Roux-en-Y and how different it was then I became more hopeful that it was truely what I was looking for. But any major surgery is scary and you always have the fear.

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

Insurance approval went pretty easy for me. I was approved in about two weeks. I gave an extremely detailed history of my weight loss to the doctor and it seems that they did the rest. But I have a few friends that got denied and I would say the biggest thing with that is just don't give up.. fight fight fight.

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

My first visit with Doc was very very informed. He was extremely careful to make sure I and my husband understood the aspects of this surgery. The best way to get the most out of this meeting is to be prepared. Have a list of questions and concerns. The surgeon can't read your mind. You have to have an idea of what you want to know.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided I was not going to be able to get control by my self. Once I accepted that fact I was a sponge for information on WLS. I researched for two years, met with three surgeons. And completely envolved myself with the decision to do this.I got the approval and support of my biggest fan.. my husband. And I also talked it over with my family to make sure I wasn't just fooling myself. I felt I had to have the ok, by everyone close to me or it wouldn't be alright within myslelf.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I spent hours upon hours on the computer talking to people about the proceedures. I think I got to the point where I just wanted someone to tell me which one to have. But that wasn't going to happen, so I just put the facts together and tried to figure out what was going to be best for me.I decided on the Roux, due to the fact of the sugar thing. I needed the reassurance if I lost control I was going to pay for it. Plus really the statistics read that the success rate was higher on bypass.

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 feared for this just like I am sure everyone does. I talked them over with my husband thoroughly. I wanted to make sure that my daughter was going to be taken care of if something were to go wrong. I knew though that this was a major surgery, and with it came major complication possiblities. I just made sure I was ok with it and then made sure I conveyed my wishes to my husband. Before surgery I even typed up my wishes and put them away in a safe, was really scary, but I did feel better about it in the end.

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 reluctant at first. They wanted the best for me. I had to explain the surgery at least a hundred times before I would get one person to agree. But after they noticed I was serious about the decision, many of them gave their blessing and wished me the best.

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 very interested in the decision. She was supportive and about a year later decided to look into it herself.

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

My hospital stay was about 6 days long. A couple of my nurses were great I have even seen them since surgery. Aside from the back up of my catheter for two days,and an Upper Gi two days after surgery, everything was pretty good. I basically took my own pjs. My favorite pillow, a brush, camera, journal, and headset. Slippers, were very important.

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

I had a small leak from the astimosis where the intestine joins the pouch during surgery. Then afterward I had to take my Jackson Pratt home in my side because of leakage. I had that for two months, along with a central line in my chest to feed me. They figured if they stopped using the stomach it would heal the hole itself. It was the worst two months ever, but I tried to stay positive. I knew it would either pass or he would have to go back in for another surgery, then it would be like starting over again.

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 a nervous wreck. I couldn't concentrate on anything. I was like a hen preparing to have chicks. I cleaned and straightened and cried, and laughed.. and ate... and ate.. and ate... I was so prepared the day I went to the hospital it was scary.

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

The first few days were tough. I was very sore. I couldn't sleep in my bed. Was a little scared over the way the incision looked. Couldn't enjoy the food I enjoyed before I went to the hospital. Was a little depressing. My husband couldn't be home with me. And I had to take care of my five year old daughter alone. To say it takes some adjustment is an understatement.

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

I traveled about twenty minutes to the doctor and the hospital. It affected my decision greatly. The second place I checked into was about hour and half away. I didn't want to be that far from help if I needed it.

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 stayed to things that are very soft and moist. I could have potatoes, and tender meat and most vegetables. I stayed away from fats and sugar religiously. I was eventually able to add new things such as toasted bread, very small amounts of peanut butter, cheese, eggs. About four months out I could add salad, and some low fat dressing. I didnt add any carbonation until like five months. I dont tollerate milk alone well, but can handle it in very small amounts.

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

I was not very active for about two months. In about end of May.. surgery was beginning April. I started to venture outside and walk. In June I started gardening, and getting into the pool in July. By August I was biking. And in October I was jogging.

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

I started out with four chewable sugar free vitamins. Then went to two in about four months. I continued with my Protein shakes three times a day. eventually when my hair started falling out about five months, I started taking zinc, biotin, acidopilous and regular mulitvitamin.

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 fought nausea depending on what i ate, didn't really have a problem with vomiting. I dump more on fats than I do on sugar. The hair loss lasted from five months to about nine months and was really frightening. I was beginning to think it was never going to end.

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

The worst part for me was the two weeks first home. I couldn't eat the things I loved, and the pain was very real. I missed going out with my family for pizza, and I didn't think I was ever going to be normal again. The TPN feedings in my chest made me crazy, I couldn't eat or drink anything for two weeks. I was a basket case for that time.

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

Our surgeons office has a support meeting every month. These are very helpful. When you think you are the only one in the world experiencing things, you find out there are others. Just having someone to talk to about your feelings and hopes and dreams is very comforting. People who have been where you are understand a little better than a spouse who loves you no matter what. The internet support groups are nice.. they aren't as personal but you may get a larger variety of responses to questions or experiences.

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

My scar is from the bottom of the sternum to the top of my navel. It is like a football in some regards.. looks like the stitches. It wasn't as small as I thought it would be.. but I guess I don't think I will be in a bikini any time soon.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

About nine months hit one during winter time. Activity slowed and the craving for carbohydrates started creeping in. But I went back to college and got control of that.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice people not treating like an obese person. I actually fit into "normal" clothes and booths at restaurants.