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

I actually had heard of the procedure about 8-10 years ago when a neighbor had a simular surgery. So it's been in the back of my mind for some time now. But it was after talking to an acquaintence (who has since become a good friend) and getting more information from her that convinced me to make the call for my consultation. Once I made my mind up to do it.....there was nothing getting in my way.

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

You are your best advocate. Keep on top of them. Make lots of follow-up calls. Provide them with as much information to back up why you need the surgery....the more the better. I put together a 2 page document listing the health problems in my family (i.e., father/grandparents were diabetic; father had a heart attach; aunt has high blood pressure;....stuff like that). It had what health problems and other problems I faced every day as an obese person. I then put what I hoped to gain after the surgery & weight loss (i.e., better health, more energy, be able to go places like amusement parks, take a plane ride and know I can fit in the seat, buy clothes off the rack). I also got a letters from my primary doctor, the cardiologist, and the pulmonary specialist all supporting the surgery and faxed that to them. Anything you can think of to "make your case", do it.

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

My 1st visit was very informative, a little intimating (so many pages to fill out....lots of information thrown at you all at once) but when I left that afternoon, I knew exactly what was expected in order to get insurance (and BTC) approval for the surgery and I knew I had made the right decision so come to them.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was terrified that I would never see the age of 50, that I would have a heart attack and die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

It's the procedure this surgeon does.

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'm not too worried about complications. I'm putting myself in God's hands and my surgeon's hands. I just know that if I don't have this surgery the alternative is not good and I would only gain more and more weight and get more and more depressed.

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?

At first, only my husband knew I was considering the surgery and he was 100% supportive. About a month later I told my parents and they, too were very supportive. I told our children about 6 weeks after that and they were excited for me. I waited to tell others (family/friends/coworkers) after I got the insurance approval. All were pretty much supportive. There were a few who were worried/concerned for my well being but once I explained everything to them, they were okay with it.

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 extremely supportive. My HR manager knew that I considering the surgery early on (her mother had the surgery last year). I told my immediadiate supervisor after I was approved by the insurance and he was for it all the way. I expect to be off work for a little over 5 weeks.

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

My stay went very well. The staff was fantastic and very helpful. I was in from a Friday morning until Monday @ around noon. Bring your own pillow, chapstick, and comfortable loose fitting clothes to wear home.

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

I had no complications but 2 days out of surgery I was having a hard time catching my breath. Everyone was baffled to why. I had clear lungs, no fever...nothing to warrent it. Turns out that the binder they put on you after surgery was pushing against my diaphram cutting off my breath. Luckily a fellow post-op patient had leant me hers, whidch was bigger. Once I switched binders I was fine.

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 very excited when I got the call from the scheduler. I didn't expect to hear from her for another 3 or 4 weeks. All of the sudden I went from thinking the surgery was 6-8 weeks off to 3 1/2 weeks off. My mind was racing with all I needed to get done at work and home before going in for the surgery.

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

I had really no problems when I got home. I did rent a hospital bed to sleep in for the 1st week or so (if you have a comfy recliner to sleep in that works well, too). The big thing to remember it to not overdue it when you start feeling a little stronger. Cause if you do you'll lose ground and get sore all over again and really pay the price. Just be sure to follow doctor's orders.

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

35 Miles

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.

There really aren't too many things that bother me. I definitely stay away from high refined sugars and high fat foods. I find that I can't tolerate popcorn anymore or soft pretzels (hard ones are fine). I also find if I do eat something a little higher in fat than what I've been eating since surgery that I do feel a little queasy for about 20 minutes. So I stay away from those type of foods as much as possible.

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

TBD

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

TBD

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?

TBD

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

TBD

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

I attend the monthly support meetings religiously. I also chat on the "e-group" email that we have set up. Both are very helpful and important. You hear tips and ideas about foods, excersice, clothing, etc. I've made several new friends, which is nice cause they've gone through this surgery so can relate to things that other friends might be able to.

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

The lower part of my scar is fading away pretty good. The upper part is a little wider so more noticable but I have not problems with it. It is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far. (as of 8/6/01)

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not so much differntly but are constantly complimenting me on my success. And I do notice that strangers aren't staring at me so much.