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

I followed Carnie Wilson's surgery and had studied Bariatric surgery for almost 2 years before checking into it. I felt for many obese people this was the answer and the health risks that came with obesity were much more than the surgery risks.

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

Weight for Life told me what I needed to do before they could submit to my insurance, it included a physical, labs, Dietary consult, Psych consult and I had my doctor write a letter of necesity. The only medical problem that I had was sleep apnea, everything else was normal. I have BX/BS of Calif as my primary, they approved me within 3 weeks. My secondary is BX of Texas, the denied me 3 times stating they would not cover anything that has to do with Obesity!!! Strange how they will cover an alcoholic & drug abuser, but not someone overweight with only 1 medical problem.

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

I met in a room with about 15 other people, the doctot talked for about 1.5 hours then we met him individually in a patient room. He spend about 45 minutes with my husband & I and answered every question possible. By the time I left I knew what kind of surgery was best for me and had my date scheduled.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

This was the only way I was ever going to see my 11 year old daughter graduate from college, see her get married and grow old with my husband. I owed it to not only myself but my friends & family to have this surgery and get myself healthier.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon, my husband & I had a lengthly discussion which would benefit me more and how much weight I wanted to loose. He discussed all procedures with me and we decided together.

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 most scared about going under the anesthesia, I dont know why, I've had 4 other surgeries, but this one scared me the most. I had a wonderful anesthesologist who spend time with me before my surgery, he could see how nervous I was and gave me something that knocked me out before I even got to the surgery room.

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?

I studied everything about this surgery for almost 2 years, so I felt pretty educated, My family was involved with everything, I think that was really important that they understood everything they could, good & bad. My husband was scared but he supported me 100% along with my family & friends. Everyone was very supportive & caring 100% after my surgery and they all still are today and I'm almost 3 most post op.

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

I work in a Medical Clinic with 6 Doctors and all of them were very supportive. They became educated with this surgery thru me and are still very supportive. My supevisor and all co-workers were very supportive of my decision. I had my surgery on Monday and was back to work (a few ours a day) the next Monday. I finally went back to work full time after about 3 weeks.

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

I had my surgery on Monday and went home Wednesday afternoon. I really didnt need anything except for my calling card, my own sleep apnea machine, I did get into my own pajamas on the second day, CHAP STICK!!! was really helpful, your mouth will be soooooooo dry.

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

I had absolutely NO complications from the surgery, After the anesthesia wore off I actually felt pretty good.

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 had a pretty rocky few weeks before my surgery, 6 days before I almost had to cancel because my secondary insurance wouldnt cover the surgery, so I had to come up with alot of money before I could have it, luckily the Friday before my surgery on Monday, I was able to borrow the money and went to my scheduled surgery. Those last 2 weeks were so up & down all I did was cry, it was very emotional for me because I wanted this surgery so bad, I couldnt imagine having to cancel it because of money. I felt no one could understand how I felt because they werent in my shoes, not even my family members could help much. It was awfully stressful up until I left for the hospital on Sunday.

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

I actually felt really good, I was drinking 64 ounces of water a day, walking and getting around, my vitals were good. I went back to work a week after surgery feeling pretty good, except I work in a very busy fast paced Medial Clinic, so at times everyone forgot I wasnt 100% and expected a little to much from me. I started expecting too much from myself and had a bit of a set back, I know now I shouldnt of gone back to work, Once I took the pressure of myself, I felt better

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

175 Miles, I live in California and went to Klamath Falls, its less than a 2 hour drive. I could reach my Doctor anytime of the day or night, I also have a wonderful family doctor who I could also reach anytime, that eased my mind alot. As far as aftercare its a really nice drive to Klamath Falls, so we go and spend the night and have a relaxing trip/

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 followed my dietary regiment by the book!! I did everything it said to do up until my 4th week when I was supposed to puree foods and I just couldnt do it. On Xmas Eve I had a VERY SMALL portion of mashed potatoes, prime rib (about 2 tiny bites) and 2 green beans. It tasted really good, it was scary, but I ate really slow and kept it down. From then on I've had pretty good luck with food. I did go thru vomiting, but it was usually because I ate too fast, once you experience that feeling, you wont like it and will be more careful. Its been about 3 weeks since I felt sick & vomited.

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

I was really doing good until about 5 weeks out and then I was lethargic, nauseated all the time and could not drink WATER!!! I really had a problem with liquids. I had no energy and wondered what was wrong with me. I think its all part of the cycle you go thru. I'm 8 weeks out and just now beginning to feel alot of energy and I can finally drink water..

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

At first I took a multi-vitamin, Heparin shots for 3 weeks, Vitamin AD&E. Now I'm taking multi-vitamins, iron & calcium.

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 had nausea/vomiting for about 2 weeks and it was really difficult to deal with, it was just a phase I had to go thru. I have only had dumping once and it was AWFUL, I dont want that again, it hurts and is scary. I just kept trying to tell myself this is all part of the process and I will get thru it. I'm almost into my third month and thats when most of my friends who have had this surgery have started to loose their hair, I'm eating so much protein, I'm hoping I dont go thru loosing my hair...

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

The first few weeks when all you have is broth/jello and especially the first week of all liquids being dyed blue (to be sure you dont have a leak). Not feeling well, watching people around you eat normally and your hungry but know because of the decision to have surgery you know you have to change and follow the rules.

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

I attend a support group once a month, but the best support is my friends who had the surgery 2,4 & 6 months before me, their input has been very helpful. I dont think I could of done as good as I have without their support. I also attend my Doctor's seminars and can speak with him afterwards regarding any questions I might have. He is very thorough at his seminars not only to people inquiring about the surgery but also to his patients.

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

Mu husband refers to my scars as "cat prints" their are 6 incision including where my drainage tube was. I had gallbladder surgery so I knew what the scars would be like. Their not that bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Not being able to drink water was one of the most difficult things, your supposed to drink 64 ounces and when you cant stand the taste of water, its really difficult. That phase lasted about 3 weeks, but now I'm over it and drinking water like crazy.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I havent noticed being treated any differently by anyone, I'm not as obese as I used to be but I am still large, maybe the only difference is now that I feel better about myself and might not notice being treated differently. It also helps that all my family, friends and co-workers are my support system and help me everyday and encourage me everyday.