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

I knew about this surgery for many years, and even looked into it. But the decision came when my diabetes was out of control, and I found out that the procedure could be done Laproscopically. This was the turning point for me. I was much more afraid of the anesthesia than of the surgery itself.

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

I was very lucky in that my surgeon's office submitted my letter right after my consult, and I was approved in less than a week.

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

My first visit to the surgeon was very informative. First I talked to his nurse, who also had the surgery. Then the surgeon talked to my husband and myself, and explained everything in detail. People can get the most out of the first visit by compiling a list of questions that they have, and make sure they get answered. Also, take someone with you to also listen, because the information can be overwhelming.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I hated myself, the way I looked and felt. My diabetes was totally out of control, and I knew I was headed for big medical problems. I have 2 small children, and knew I needed to do something drastic. When I found out that the surgery was able to be done Laproscopically, that was the turning point for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon told me that I was a good candidate for Laproscopic RNY. I had proximal because I was technically on the "low" end for the amount of weight I needed to lose.

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 had more fear of the anesthesia than of the surgery. I wasn't too afraid because I totally trusted my surgeon. I also informed him that I had a history of blood clots, so he was prepared to deal with this. My advise to anyone contemplating surgery is to talk HONESTLY and openly with your surgeon. If you have the least bit of doubt, don't go through with it until you are totally comfortable with your decision.

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?

Most of my family were supportive of my decision. They natually feared for my safety, but were pretty good about my having it done. My mother was the worst of the bunch though. She thought if I would only keep trying to diet, I could lose weight on my own. Most of my friends and co workers were also supportive. A few tried to talk me out of it. Now....everyone is very glad that I had the surgery.

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

I told everyone at work the truth about what I was having done. I was off work for 5 weeks. My employers were no problem.

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

I was treated very well in the hospital, and was there for 3 days. The only thing that I wished that I would have brought was a fan. I had surgery in August and it was very hot. It's not important to bring things to do such as books, magazines, crafts etc. You are too tired and too sore to concentrate on these things.

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

No complications 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 depressed the first couple of weeks, and wondered if I made a mistake, but later found out that this is a normal reaction. I was also very tired, very sore. I felt better after about 4 weeks. It was very hard to adjust to eating so little, and so slow. My biggest problem was learning not to drink fluids with my food.

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

My first 4 weeks at home were hard. I have 2 small children and needed help with them. I needed help to shower and to change my dressings, because I came home with a drain. I did have a home health nurse come a couple of times the first week. I was very very tired and spent alot of time resting in bed.

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

I had my surgery in a medical center 30 miles from my 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.

I was not able to tolerate more anything with more than 10 grams of sugar in it at first. I can tolerated more now, but still have to watch the sugar content. If it is under 15 grams, it is usually ok. I also have to watch the fat intake. I absolutely cannot tolerate ice cream in any form. I don't do well with breads (they make me uncomfortable full) and pasta and rice are hard to take. If the sugar or fat content is too high, I will get nauseated, have a severe headache, and become exhausted. This is dumping syndrome for me. Some days I can eat a certain thing, and the next day, it will make me sick. The first 2 weeks I only had liquids. I have only thrown up 3 times in 9 months due to eating too fast, or too much at one time.

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

I was extremely tired and had to push myself to get out of bed. I felt better and was able to go back to work after 5 weeks.

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

I take a multivitamin, B12, calcium, zinc, and iron.

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 am 9 months post op and still have nausea, and dumping if I eat the wrong things. It can be pretty severe at times. My hair loss started at about 3 months post op, and was severe until about 8 months, when it finally stopped. I lost about 1/2 of my hair.

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

The worst part of the surgery process was the anticipation, and the bowel prep.

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

My surgeon holds a monthly support group, and I also belong to an online support group. I feel that these things have helped me a great deal.

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

I have 5 one inch incisions. They are a bit discolored (tan). They will fade in time. Yes, this is what I was told would happen.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have experienced many plateaus, the longest one lasting over a month. It is very discouraging. But to be honest, I wasn't drinking enough water or exercising like I should have been, so it's partly my fault.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I am no longer the biggest person in the room. I feel like people listen to me now, and give me more respect. I get compliments every day on my appearance. I am much more confident.