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

Seeing Carnie Wilson on TV. I thought that it was awesome right away. I knew that I wanted to do it, and that someday I would.

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

I called my ins. co before I made an appt with the surgeon, they told me that the surgery was covered as long as my weight was caused by a health problem. I thought that my depression and hypo-thyroid disease was enough, so I continued on. My surgeon wrote a letter to the ins. co. and they wrote back a few days later saying that the surgery was excluded from my policy. After three appeals, they still said no. Do not give up hope of having the surgery if your ins.co says no. Its only a set back and you can do anything that you set your mind to.

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

The visit went very fast. I was well prepared and informed of all of the different types of proceedures. If I had went in there blind, I would have been lost. SO, be aware of the different surgeries, what is expected of you afterwards, and so forth. Write down any questions you may have before you go, you will forget when you are in there having all of this information thrown at you, even if you know most of it.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The benefits, for me, far outweight any cons of the surgery. My quality of life, and risk of future health problems were a major concern. I just want to be healthy and happy for many years to come. I am 23, and weigh 400 lbs., limiting me in what I can do and enjoy. I don't want to be held back by my weight anymore. This was a tool to help me get back to living, instead of just being there.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

At that point, I knew that I needed a drastic change. I knew that with the band, I could and probably would have made bad food choices. I also liked the bypass because of the faster weight loss, and potential to lose more of the excess weight. For me, there really wasn't any question about which to have. I am thrilled with my decision to have the 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 was very afraid of dying. I the time, I was so depressed and unhealthy that that risk meant nothing to me. I would have rather died than live one more day without hope of ever being healthy or happy. The fear of dying is a real thing. All I can say is that be confident in your decision, first off. Second, realize that this has no more risk of death than any other surgery. If you had a tumor, and it needed to be removed, you would do it without hesitation. Obesity can kill you just like a tumor. Do this for yourself, and not because friends and family thing that you should.

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 and friends were awesome. I could not of asked for more support. I did not know this, but they were all afraid of me dying. I wish that they had felt more confortable and had talked to me about this so I could have communicated to them, that it was ok.

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

I am a college student, and do not work.

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

My stay in the hospital was ok. I was there for three days, per my request. I was told that I could leave after the second day, but I wasn't ready, so I stayed. I know that due to nurse shortages, that it is hard to get immediate help. I once waited an hour to have someone help change my soaking wet bandages after a shower. Have someone there with you at all times. Take a pillow or a stuffed animal to hold tight to your stomach for when you have to sneeze, move, do breathing treatments etc. Take nightgowns instead of pants and a shirt. It was just too painfull to pull my pants down. Take a book or something that you enjoy doing. It gets very boring.

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

Yes, my stoma closed. When I first felt the effects of it closing I thought that I was doing something wrong. I felt that I could not and would not learn how to eat slow, small portions and be satisfied. I felt like a failure. When I could no longer keep down water, I knew something was wrong. So I called the doctor and told them what was going on, and they said that my stoma was probably closing and for me to come in. Had some tests ran which said that it was closing. The doctor did a simple scope proceedure and it was all better.

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 nervous. I went around telling my friends and family just how I felt about them and that I loved them. It was like I was preparing to die, saying my goodbye's. I spent as much time with my immediate family as I could. I always feel like everything is going to be ok when I am around them.

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

You can expect to be sore and hungry. The mind hunger was in high gear at this point. Slowly you will start to be able to do more for yourself. You will have fears like what if I am not successfull at this, what if it doesnt work, etc. Also, I was really tired for I would say the first two months. That slowly gets back to normal as well.

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

30 miles, I was close and knew that if something went wrong, my surgeon could be there in a heartbeat. It was very re-assuring.

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.

Geez, it seems like it was so long ago, but it has only been seven months. I always wanted a glass of milk, but I did not tolerate that well. Since you have to shew your food so well, my tastes have changed. Texture is very important now, and it wasnt before. I do not like eggs or ground beef anymore due to this. Milk still gives me trouble now and then, so I still stay away from it. Pasta feels like a rock just sitting in my stomach, so I avoid it too. I eat lots of fish, chicken and steak. Most people have trouble eating steak. I find that when I do not marinate it, it is harder to eat.

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

I walked a mile on the fifth day after surgery. I think that I was showing off to my family how great I felt. But that was a very good day. I wanted to sleep all the time. I really did not have any energy for quite awhile. Getting out of bed and watching T.V. wore me out, so I had to take a nap. My energy really just increased gradually. When I started eating solids, my energy level went up.

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

Two Flinstones with iron chewables, and three Viactive chews. I spread these out throughout the day. I also get B-12 shots monthly, which helps with my energy levels.

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?

Vomiting, diarrhea (sp?) and hair loss. My vomiting was bad when my stoma closed. When I started eating solids, I often ate way to fast resulting in vomiting. When I started eating out at restaurants, I would forget that I had to eat slow > vomiting. You learn really quick that it does not feel good when you do this, so you stop. Lots of foods after surgery would give me diarrhea. I already suffered from IBS, and this made it worse for while. Now its gone, thank goodness. I have really thick hair, so people don't notice the loss. I would freak when washing my hair because it would come out in big clumps. I would estimate that I have lost over half of my hair. Only I can tell, so its ok. This started around three months, slowed down around six months. Now, at seven months it isn't so bad, but I do have to be carefull brushing my hair.

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

This surgery forces you to make abrupt changes in you everyday life. This is very hard on your emoitionally, physically, and mentally. I cried often, not knowing what I had done to myself. Everything takes time to get used to. Everyday you become more and more used to doing what you need to do to be healthy. Looking back I can say it was all worth it and more. But during that adjustment phase it was hell.

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

I attend meetings for my surgeons patients once a month. I found that no matter how much your friends and family want to be and are there for you. It's nice to talk with someone who knows what you are going through, and can give you advice, or just tell you that it will get better. It has been invaluable to me.

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

I have six one inch scars. They have faded and are smooth to the touch. I really wasn't concerned with scars, and these are ok to me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My fifth month out, I did not lose a single pound. Very heartbreaking at the time. I did not know what I was doing wrong. I cut way back on my intake, and starved my self for awhile. After I got tired of that, I started eating regular again. Two weeks later overnight I lost 9 pounds. That felt great. Just know that plateaus happen, and you are not doing anything wrong. Your body just needs a break, give it one.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I don't get laughed at by strangers. I don't have kids tell me that I am fat, or have big legs, or ask their parent why that lady is so fat. No more stares of disgust, no more mean comments. People go out of there way now to be nice to me, people start conversations with me more. Thrilled!!