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

Research about 3.5 years ago. It seemed like a good thing but at the time I had Cigna so I gave up. After I got laid off in November I still had insurance but now through Trigon I decided I needed to make a change. I was no longer comfortable in my position nor my own body and that showed in interviews.

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

Actually, mine was painless. The surgeon's office put the delay of surgery off on insurance but my carrier approved me within one day of receiving my paperwork.

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

Fast and unimpressive. Harrington is obviously a great surgeon. He is quiet and that makes me think he is an emotional person (as apposed to completely clinical). However, he was almost an hour late and I felt completely rushed through this one on one meeting. The actual first time I met him was in a group setting and that was great.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My discomfort in my own body and inability to lose the weight on my own after repeated attempts.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had to do something and Harrington was the first surgeon available so I jumped at the chance. Once I found out the difference in recovery time the decision was very easy!

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?

Every now and then I would get scared but you know, when you're gonna go, you're gonna go. I just kept telling myself that. I could have had a heart attack walking up to the barn just as easy! I'd say aren't you afraid of living the rest your life the way you feel today?

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?

They were all supportive. But then again my friends and family know when I've made up my mind, I've made up my mind. If they weren't supportive - I would have written them off or ignored their opinion. I don't have time or space in my life for negative people.

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

Well I was unemployed anyway so I didn't have to worry about their reaction. I took 1.5 weeks off after surgery to recover then started a new job. It's hard but do-able.

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

Stay in hosiptal was fine. Getting shots sucked but I figured if I can stick my animals each year I can certainly get through that! I was in the hospital for 2 days. Went in on Wednesday and came out on Friday. Don't count on getting quality sleep while your there (except for the drug induced sleep). After surgery (up until about 3 weeks ago) I slept like a log. Now I'm back to my restlessness (I'm typing this at 3:30 am).

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

I had a kink in my intestine that made me nausious. I just stayed on the doctors I was sent to. If they said I should feel better and I didn't I was a pain in their butt until they told me something else or saw me again.

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

It was more excitement for a life change than anxiety.

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

I was tender but fine to move. Now I wasn't moving at lighting speed but I kept moving. Expect to feel like you've just had people moving your insides around and they (your insides) are unhappy with you now; you're gonna feel alittle pain. It was much more painful totalling my truck and bouncing all over the inside!

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

30 miles.

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.

Bread is a big no no now. It makes me feel awful. Pasta like spaghetti doesn't sit well but manicotti does okay (normally I just eat the cheese though). I hated tuna before surgery the week after surgery I loved tuna, now I hate it again. I tolerated canned chicken before and now can't take the smell. Before I couldn't get enough chocolate - now I take a bite and that's all I can do. Beef and chicken is the about the same. I go from being all about a food one week (or weeks) then can't stand it anymore. I did this before surgery too though.

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

I was pooped and slept really well. At three months I am not sleeping as soundly. Wish I had some of the stuff they give you at the hospital!

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

2 multi vitamins w/ iron, 2 Viactiv, 1 b-12, 1 A&D, 1 zinc.

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?

In the beginning the nausea. Now my hair is falling out but I can't see that it's thinned in the mirror. Sure hope no one else can. That is why I started taking zinc.

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

Waiting.

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

I keep in touch with my friends I met through the site & the preop meetings. I am too far during the week from Richmond to go to the monthly meetings (unfortunately).

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

Very small. Yep, I saw someone elses.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had them. I drink more protein and try to exercise a little bit more or more intensly and that seems to work.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get looks from guys again :o) But I'm married so you know but it sure makes me feel good!