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

I saw a commercial on TV and thought I'd call to find out what magic this generation's guru has come up with. I called, they sent me the literature. I was interested but not impressed (or vice versa). However, I was interested enough to schedule a consultation,which I initially cancelled. Then I saw the commercial again, I called and rescheduled, and my husband made sure I kept that appt. The rest is her-story.

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

My first meeting with Schlessinger was liek speaking with someone who had the surgery. He wasn't overbearing, or too technical. He spoke in laymen's terms and didn't appear to be judgemental. This is an excellent time to get your questions answered and your concerns addressed. Write a list of your questions/concerns so that you don't forget any. Your surgeon should be able to give you an answer right there. I'd be a little leery of a surgeon who isn't knowledgeable about the procedure (and post-op stuff), obviously, so this is also an opportunity for you to get an idea of how knowledgeable your surgeon is.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Either the fat had to go - or I did. I'd reached that point. I just couldn't take it anymore - I just couldn't. I researched the procedure, the pros and cons, I found a competent surgeon and an excellent center. I had more to gain than to lose by having the surgery. I couldn't afford not to have it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Dr. Schlessinger explained the different variations and I needed the most permanent and effective option.

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?

You'd have to really know how serious I was about "either the fat goes or I do" to believe that I didn't care if I died on the operating table. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I actually got that low - but I did and God provided a way out. I think its natural to have fears about any surgery, but after seeing the results, I would tell anyone, "Get over it!" God does not give us fear, but peace and a sound mind. Get over it, and take your life back!

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?

Only one of my five close family members opposed the surgery. That family member has just sent her papers to the insurance company to get the surgery approved for her. Post-op: everyone has been great! I'm a better person (emotionally/physically/mentally)because of the surgery - who wouldn't support that?!

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

I was off work two weeks. I told my employer I was having an abdominal surgery done. Which was true. I didn't go into details and they didn't ask for any.

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

I was in the hospital four days. It was very comfortable. the most important things to bring are whatever you enjoy doing (reading, listening to music, puzzles) in your spare time. ALthough you should be up and walking frequently, there is some downtime.

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

I did have some complication. On the second day after my surgery, the surgeon discovered that my bowels were not moving. I believe this happened because I wasn't walking as much as I should have. Dr. Schlessinger told me, "Either get moving or I'm going back in." I prayed, and needless to say I got up and moved, and pass the next tests with flying colors. So the complication was due to my incompetency not the surgeon's or the procedure.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Once I got approved, I knew that God had answered my plea. I know that where God is there is no need for anxiety. I was calm all the way up until they wheeled me into the operating room. But before I could get good and panicked the anesthesiologist put the mask on me and that was that.

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

My first few weeks from the hospital were okay. I wans't in any pain. I slept fine. I guess its like giving birth, each woman has a different experience. For me, I had surgery and life went on, painlessly.

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

The BTC is 2 hrs. from my home. I was willing.

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.

Okay: week 1 - clear liquids (diluted juices); week 2- full liquids (pudding); weeks 3 - pureed foods (applesauce); week 4 & 5 - soft foods (mash potatoes); week 6 - regular foods. Now, I cannot tolerate shrimp or grapefruit juice. Other than that, I can eat everything that I could before. And I do. Except now I eat 85% healthy and allow myself 15% of what I know I shouldn't have (I only have it in moderation - very moderate). I'm not talking ice cream and cookies. I mean like a fun size Snickers or somehting like that.

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

Days after the surgery, I didn't do much, just walked. 2 months after my surgery, I started Tae-Bo, and have been fine. I said that to say that chances are you won't be bedridden for 6 months after the surgery.

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

I was advised to take the Bugs Bunny chewable multivitamin for 3 months. That and protein bars.

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 dump when I eat too much and when I eat shrimp. Again, these are on my part. I have a low tolerance for pain, so the dumping just floors me - which keeps me from eating incorrectly. I just lay down, curl up and let it pass.

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

The worst thing so far is the dumping, but I control that. I haven't had any "Bad" experiences related to the surgery.

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

The only aftercare I support I had was through the BTC. They send you home with trees worth of literature, recipes, nutrition do's and don'ts. They have a nutritionist who is available to answer dietary questions. This was helpful because I always had someone to call or some info to reference when I had a question.

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

My scar runs from my breast bone to just below my navel. If you've ever seen the scar on a woman who had a C-section, it looks just like that. Its slowly fading. I'm 7 months post-op and I hoped it'd be a lot more faded by now, but I'll take this over a scarless 75 pound heavier body.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Ugh. This is the most frustrating thing. I've plateaued now. I've plateaued twice (at 215 and 180) so far. I just reason that my body is doing what it needs to do. Mine lasts for about 3 weeks and then I'll step on the scale and 10 pounds are gone. During these times, I just keep doing what I'm doing - eating healthy and exercising.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! Female as well as male. Its like I get more respect now as an individual. People who would see me frequently and not utter a word, are all of a sudden friendly and want to hold conversation. Its like I've won the lottery (and I have in a sense) and now everyone wants to be in my circle. Hmp. I think not....