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

I found information on the internet. I first heard about RNY surgery because my mom's doctor recommended it to her. While I was researching that, I found out about BPD/DS surgery and decided to have that for reasons of my own, but I felt it was my one and only last chance to live a better and healthier life. I figured I was less than 2 years away from a wheelchair and didn't want to live the rest of my life that way.

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

Dr. Crookes is a very compassionate and caring doctor. I cannot tell you in words what that meant to me. I was scared that I would get another lecture, but it wasn't like that at all. My husband went with me. Dr. Crookes did a short physical exam. He explained the surgery and all the possible complications to us and then told us to go home and discuss it and then let us know if I really want to do it. He would not take my answer that day and I was glad. I went home and I really wanted to think about it. My husband was very impressed with Dr. Crookes and he wanted me to go forward. The next day, in spite of some doubts on my part, I called and told them I wanted to go forward with the surgery. I figured it would take months to get approval from insurance and that I still had a bunch of pre-op tests I'd have to have done, so I might as well get started and then make a decision as I went. Well, I got going and never looked back. I was scared, but I have to tell you, I don't regret my decision at all. I'm 14 months post-op now (2/5/02) and I'm feeling great!!... Thanks to Dr. Crookes!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was really tired of spending $100 a month on medications for my various health problems and I didn't want to live in constant pain any longer. I am post op now, and I admit, I still have pain from my fibromyalsia. Some days are better than others, but for the most part, I feel good and I don't regret my decision for one moment.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I read online about all the various types of procedures and I chose one that I felt I could live with for the rest of my life. I'm young (39 years old) and I wanted a surgery that would allow me to eat fairly normally for the rest of my life. I knew I would be a compliant patient - taking my vitamins, eating protein first, exercising, etc., so I went for the Duodenal Switch and I'm very pleased with my decision.

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 would say this... I don't think that weight loss surgery (WLS) is for everyone. In fact, when people ask me if I would recommend it, I tell them that they have to do the research for themselves and decide for themselves what is best for them. I made the decision based on the fact that I wanted to LIVE and be healthier and if something happened to me because of surgery, I felt it was meant to be. I do fear having complications and trouble post-op, but so far things are okay. I am a strong person and can handle whatever happens.

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?

Some were shocked, but most were supportive. It's not like they could change my mind or anything. My husband is supportive, but I think he is fearful I will change and leave him... that is not my plan. I love him dearly. He was a great untrained post-op nurse. :0) My inlaws were scared, but supportive. My family was supportive. Some of my old friends aren't around anymore, but that is their choice, not mine. I am the same person.

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

I was unemployed, so this wasn't an issue for me.

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 6 days. I had an open procedure. I was in USC University Hospital and got really good care. The important thing is to ask for what you need and if you don't get it, ASK AGAIN...especially for pain meds if they are needed. The most important thing I brought with me was tucks wipes and a bottom wiper so I didn't have to ask for help going to the restroom after surgery. I never needed them again once I was 2 weeks post-op, but they sure helped those first few weeks. The only things I used that I brought with me were slippers, a loose nightgown and robe to wear home from the hospital, my glasses, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand/body/foot cream, and mouth wash.

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

I had a small opening in my incision that I had to pack for about a month, but it was no big deal. It healed up and is fine now.

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 so busy doing pre-op tests and preparing my house and my family and friends that I didn't have much time to focus on how nervous I was. The little time I did, I spent online in my egroups support groups... those gals kept me sane and I owe them big time. :)

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

Nothing taste good. I didn't eat much... I could eat a little bit of scrambled egg with melted cheese on it. I could eat cottage cheese, pureed ham made into ham salad with mayo and pickle relish. I could drink almost anything I wanted. I was lucky and wasn't lactose intolerant. Everything was too sweet for me, so I cut juices and drinks with water. I used protein drinks from lindora.com so I could get my protein in me. I much preferred to drink than eat. My tummy was sore at first when i swallowed food, so it wasn't my favorite thing to do at first. Sleeping was difficult. I slept in a recliner for 2 1/2 weeks. I had trouble taking medication - it made me nauseous, so I stopped taking all meds for a few weeks, then it got better. I only had 3 throwing up episodes: once I overate (never again), once I smelled something and it made me sick, and once I took meds that made me ill. Other than than.... I've done great, feel good and am glad I had the surgery.

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

USC is a one hour drive from my home - approximately 70 or 80 miles round trip. I go to support group meetings once a month at USC and I have friends locally I see all the time.

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.

At first, only soft foods and lots of liquids. About 3 weeks - I started adding crackers. About 4 weeks - I added medium rare steak (soft and I chewed it well) About 5 weeks, I can eat almost anything except Chicken... for some reason it is hard to swallow. I can eat some pasta, but it has to be overcooked and cut in small pieces. I can't eat rice, it expands in my tummy and feels like lead. I can have a bite or two of bread, but I don't like to waste my calories on that... I'd rather eat protein.

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

AT first I would sleep all night and sleep 3 to 4 hours during the day as well. at 5 Weeks out, I stil need a nap, but only an hour or two. I walk every day. I can go to the mall and walk and do grocery shopping and stuff, but I tire easily. I recommend help for the first 2 weeks home and after that, you can be on your own, but you'll need help with activities for a bit.

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

I take 2 flintstone vitamins every other day (with iron). I take a pre-natal vitamin every other-other day. (I do this to avoid constipation issues) I take an Allergy A&D vitamin every day. I take 2 calcium chews each day. I take 800 extra magnesium every 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?

The little bit of sleep disturbance I experienced lasted about 3 weeks and it wasn't bad. My body was just really sore from being on the operating table for 6 1/2 hours. I have constipation problems, but I am working on that by adding magnesium to my vitamin routine. I lost some of my hair, but not a ton of it. It was a little thin for a while, but it is growing back now that I am out of the fast weight loss phase.

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

The tests and the needles and the waiting... UGH!! I am so impatient and I felt I waited forever, but it was only 9 months. :0)

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

Our USC support group meets once a month. It is okay. I wish it was more often and I wish it was done differently. I could use a more support group atmosphere where we discuss our issues - emotional, physical, etc., but basically the program they have is where someone speaks and then we have question and answer sessions. Both pre and post ops attend, so it's not really a support group per se... it helps to see people have successes though and that's why I go...

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

I am cut from between my breasts to 3 inches below my belly button. My incision isn't bad. It's no big deal. I never plan on wearing a bikini anyways. My doctor didn't use staples, just sutures, so my line is pretty thin and didn't keloid much. I have a few small areas that keloided a little bit, but it's not horrible and I don't really care.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued a lot. I plateaued 7 times in the past 14 months for 4 or more weeks at a time. It was very frustrating. Nothing I did changed that. I tried high protein, low carb, no carb, no fat, high fat, walking, exercising, swimming, etc. What worked was eating, drinking and just living my life. In time, I lost again. My body has its own time table and goal. I have no control over it. I'm happy with my results to date. I went from 295 to 203 in 14 months.