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

I had heard about it years ago but at that time there was not a lot of positive information about it. About a year or 2 ago I met someone who had it done and vowed at that point I was going to have it done. (I had to wait for insurance)

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

I had a pretty easy experience. I have Aetna MC PPO. I got a referral from my primary care physician for the surgeon. I had a consultation on Jan.6th and by Jan. 23rd 2003, I had been approved.

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

I knew quite a bit going in so he really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. Research, research, research and then write down all questions and concerns prior to your first visit.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had spent the warm months in 2002 working in DC where I had to do a bit of walking. I could barely get through each day. There were times that I seriously thought I would have a heart attack. I was embarrassed when I would get on the train and I was the only one with sweat just pouring down my body. My knees and feet have started to really hurt in the past year and I have already had back surgery. I also have the beginnings of sleep apnea. I'm tired of being tired.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY-open, was the only one that my surgeon specialized in and I did a lot of research on it.

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 have a lot of fears as I would if I were having any other surgery. I think one needs to research and do what feels best for them. I personally feel it is a risk that I have to take to improve my health in the long run.

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 had various reactions. My mother was skeptical but understood and was/is very supportive. My co-workers have been great. One best friend is totally supportive, the other (who is also obese) feels that I could do this without surgery...whatever (I say). She is still supportive but has a way of making those negative remarks about it. I honestly think she will become very jealous when I am no longer heavy and she still is.

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

My supervisor has been fantastic about this decision and told me whenever I wanted to have it done to go for it. He said my health is the most important thing and to take care of myself. My surgery is March 21, 2003. I will get 6 wks of full pay. If I need more it goes down to 75%.

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

My stay was 2 1/2 days. They took wonderful care of me. Bring your own pillow(s), maybe something to read, tongs and wipes for hygiene, your own toiletries, some chapstick and anything else that would make you feel comfortable.

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

I had no complications. It went very well.

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 lot of anxiety prior to surgery. My first date of Mar. 5, 2003 was cancelled and rescheduled for Apr. 4 but I was called in due to another cancellation on Mar. 21. That didn't give me much time to panic. I did eat everything I could prior to surgery.

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

The first week was a little painful and uncomfortable but after that I was doing so much better than I expected to do. Expect pain in the beginning and trouble finding a comfortable way to sleep at first. Expect to not really be hungry but you will probably still desire to eat. That will pass. Expect to be thirsty and try hard to get your liquids in. You will probably be pretty tired at first. That will also pass.

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

I didn't have to go far at all. Fairoaks Hospital in Va. is only 15 mins. from my home

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 am currently 5 weeks out. I can eat just about anything but I avoid all sugars. The first few weeks I stuck to very soft mushy foods and pureed foods until I was 3-4 weeks out. I developed a milk intolerance and now use soy milk. At 6 months out I can eat anything. Sometimes I eat too fast and feel pain but don't normally throw up. I know longer am lactose intolerant.

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

The first week I was pretty tired but I think that was more because of the pain meds and not sleeping comfortably. After the first 2 weeks my energy level has been outstanding and I sleep better than ever. I don't have sleep apnea or GERD any more.

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

I take 2 chewable Centrum completes, 4 calcium citrate, 1 chewable iron, b-12 every other day, and 2 protein drinks totaling 51 gr. of protien a 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 only side effects I've had from surgery was some nausea in the first week and in week 4 I had nausea and threw up for 2 days due to the food hole tightening up. That was scoped and dialated and I've had no side effects since then. At 6 months out the only side effects I have is hair loss. Not a huge amount but enough to know that I'm losing some. I cut my hair shorter and it's made a big difference in the thickness of my hair.

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

The first few days after surgery because I couldn't sleep comfortably and the few days that I was vomiting before I had the dialation of the food hole done. (don't know the technical name for that)

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

I have the Staple Club meetings to go to once a month at Fairoaks hospital in Va. I had a group nutrition meeting 4 weeks post op and any time I have questions I can call Dr. Anez's office for help. This is all very helpful and important to my success.

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

My scar is 3 1/4 inches and healing very well. It is just what I was expecting

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I have had a minor plateau for a week I believe due to drinking coffee flavored soy milk. I didn't realize the amount of sugar in it. I have stopped drinking it. I also have trouble getting in the 3 meals and the 2 protein drinks. I usually miss a meal. I think this slows down weightloss.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet. Although I do get a lot of compliments on doing so well and that my face is so much thinner. I have a lot of friends and family that like to tell me how I should and shouldn't be eating or doing things. They just care. At 6 months out, the weightloss is very noticable. I get a bit more attention now...not complaining at all.