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

Had heard about it before, I guess from TV talk shows and had a friend who had the surgery years ago (stomach stapling in the 1980s). Never gave it much thought. Once I got older (40s) and comorbidites accompanied obesity, I met a man on the job that had wls. Talked with him some and began researching the idea (2003) and went to a seminar in Feb 2004. Still thought it was "drastic" and it intimidated me but was inticed by it. My weight due to stress, depressing, etc. was increasing to the point that I was unable to do things I had once been able to do. Now (3 days before surgery) I can't stand long enough to do dishes, get groceries, can walk from my car to my desk at work and it takes me 10 minutes to catch my breath.

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

I ended up changing insurance companies. First had MAMSI-MDIPA (Federal) and they denied me twice for a surgery they covered. Begain in Feb 2004. They had a requirement for failure of a 6-mo md supervised plan. I had been on the American Heart Assoc Diet online (Ediets) for 2 years and could document meal plans, had a chart of weight loss and gain. My PCP submitted a letter with 6 mo. of weights and they denied. Started again in July 2004 because they wanted DAILY records of intake, exercise, counseling sessions, weighs, etc. DAILY (did I mention DAILY). In the meantim, I'm practically disabled trying to keep my job and they deny me. Did the DAILY thing for 4 months and it became so overwhelming emotionally that I quit and decided to change insurance companys on the next open season. Jan 2005 I switched to Optima HMO and was approved in 4 days. Amazing.

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

My first visit with Dr. Clark was at his seminar and I thought he was very thorough. He tells it like it is and doesn't try to "sell" you on the surgery. He tells you the risks--repeatedly and the benefits; describes the type of surgery he performs, what to expect afterwards, expected percentage of weight you could lose (or not lose). Empasizes that it's ONLY A TOOL. you have to make behavior changes, exercise, etc. YOU COULD GAIN THE WEIGHT BACK. He gives you alot of info to consider. Takes time to answer questions and is very dedicated to his profession. (Might I mention, very handsome, too) :0) His patients know what I mean.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Dr. Clark's reputation, his experience, his demeanor. He has an excellent program with staff nutritionist, psychologist, and a nurse who has had wls. He has monthly support group meetings, web page with discussion board, fitness trainer, and a mandatory follow up plan. He requires you understand the commitment required to be successful in this journey. I like that he doesn't do the surgery on an assembly line and then send you on your way.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

He only does one type of procedure: combination VBG/Gastric Bypass (RNY), open type. Also, at the time, he was the only wls surgeon in Hampton/NN. He now has a partner who performs Lap GBS (without banding) and the Lab Band.

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 obsessed with the fear of dying. Since it took me a year to get insurance approval, it forced me to do more research and I gradually became accepting of the complications in comparision with the risks involved with staying obese (and becoming disable). I would tell others to not rush into the surgery too quickly. Do your research and choose your surgeon wisely; one with experience. The more experience a surgeon has the lower is complications rates are (statistically). Just be educated about it. Talk to others who have had the surgery. Know that some fear is a good thing. It means you're aware of the possibilities.

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 was hesitant to tell anyone at first. My best friend is still not 100% convinced. She's supportive but reminds me she doesn't want me to have this surgery. My family is nervous but that's expected. I try to stay away from or not get into conversations with anyone I know is negative or not supporting of my decision. I need to be positive as I go into surgery. It's part of the healing process and I have to have those who are motivating around me.

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 an obese family member. She was very supportive. I had drs notes the year during my insurance battles that covered me for limited distance walking and she was very supportive. I had no problems. When high command needed "reasons" she was always defending and supportive. When my surgery date was scheduled--again no problems and I'm taking off 6 weeks. She immediately put efforts in motion for backups to cover my work. Overall, my employer was very supportive.

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

My stay was absolutely wonderful considering I had just had major surgery. The room was roomy and clean and my 14 y/o son was allowed to stay with me. I know that alone increase my recouperation rate. I was there for 3.5 days (in on Wed, out on Sat). They provided everything I needed from socks with rubber soles to a toothbrush, paste, deodorant, etc. I never unpacked my suitcase. I did, and recommend, taking a back scratcher to reach those places that will become more difficult or painful to reach after surgery. It was a life saver. Just take things that you think you will want.

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

So far I have had no complications. I'm 6 weeks out now (15 Mar 05) and I'm still without complications or problems.

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 didn't have "weeks." I got my surgery date 1 week before. I had a year before insurance approved and the anxiety was almost unbearable. I never went on anxiety meds but did attend counseling. I have to say though that when I got my date I was emotionally overwhelmed but when I attended my surgeon's required "class" they were so motivated and explained every detail of what to expect down to samples of the types of tubes they use (catheters, jp, etc.) that 95% of anxiety was gone.

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

I know that I am one of the lucky ones but I have been home one week today and it has been wonderful. I have had no problems. My incision "burns" occasionally and my drain tube is irritating also occasionally but overall I have not been uncomfortable. Was even able to get into my bed on the 3rd day home. I had read other profiles where folks weren't able to get into their bed comfortably for weeks.

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

Not far--local hospital.

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.

Post Op day 2 in the hospital I was brought Carnation Instant Breakfast and I absolutely couldn't stand the taste. It was too sweet and rich. I'm 1-week out today and now I can eat it without any problems. I'm still on a liquid diet eating watered down soups (tomato and cream of chicken bariatric versions) and am able to eat about 2oz per meal. Getting better each day. Still short on getting my 60mg of protein a day and have ordered a liquid version.

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

Day of surgery walked around the nurses station. At home, week later riding stationary bike (can't get out to walk) for 2 min, twice a day.

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

I take 2 Flinstones Complete w/Iron, Zinc, Calcium, 2 Tums (calcium) daily, and 1 Pepsid tab twice daily. Ordered protein and will take that daily as needed to reach goal of 60mg a day. 3/15/05 taking 2 Flinstones, B-complex 2x a day and Calcium 1500mg (500 3xday).

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?

1-week out, none. But I know they are coming. Still no side effects. If I eat too high sugar or fat content I get mild nausea. I attribute that to eating slowly. By eating slowly I know that my pouch isn't going to like something early enough in advance to STOP eating it.

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

Sincerely, the insurance process. It saddens me at how unreceptive the industry is and how unsupporting our nation is. It disturbs me that obesity is a national epidemic in America and yet our insurance industry continues to drop coverage for this life saving surgery.

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

I attend the monthly support group meetings through my surgeon's office/program. It is very helpful, gets me out of the house and connects me with others who are on the same path I am on. I

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

My scar looks like a 4" scratch. It looks nothing like I expected. I expected this big, grotesque cut down my tummy. I am very please at my surgeon's "artistry."