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

I researched weight loss options online and read numerous articles about bariatrics. My daughter had a director at a pre-school that had the surgery and told me about it ( back in 2002) There was an article in a local newsletter from Lutheran Hospital and I attended an informational meeting at a weight loss clinic.

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

It was pretty routine and I was happy that my insurance company okayed the surgery instead of waiting until I needed more medications and/or had to seek additional medical care, because of my existing health problems.

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

The informational meeting was the introduction and then I met him one on one. He was a good listener and asked questions to be sure that I understood the operation and the work that I was required to do

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I lost about 85 pounds on a medical diet and did not want to regain the weight, like every other time that I have lost in the past. The surgery is the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I did it 100% for myself. Only do it for yourself, because pleasing others is part of why some of us are heavy. If someone does not respect or love you now, that will not change.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The fact that I wanted to make a 100% commitment is why I chose the R-N-Y In the past I had trouble with my body rejecting foreign objects (IUD) and the lap band was something I felt may be similar. Doctors did not sway me either way or validate this. It was my choice.

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 felt like I was already dying a slow death and it was only a matter of time before I was going to be diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, or have a stroke. The weight was causing all kinds of bone and joint pain, high blood pressure, lethargy, etc...

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 immediate family was concerned, especially my children. The worst person to convince was my mother. She told me every scary thing possible. My faith got me though the ordeal, because I prayed about it and received a positive affimation and felt calm about the choice I made. I comforted my children and told them how I used to feel before I was heavy. Their father died 2 years ago and had numerous health problems. I promised them that I felt like this was better that an unplanned surgery like heart surgery or losing a limb from diabetic complications. Today, my husband amd children are my biggest supporters. My father in law was also very understanding and understood the fears of diabetes, since he is a diabetic and takes 12 medications

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

They were shocked and worried. I told them that I would be back to work in no time. My FMLA was decided to be 4-6 weeks and I returned fulltime after 2 weeks.

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

The hospital staff was good, but mostly the bariatric team. I would suggest that nurses not mention things that they are unsure of in front of patients, because this increases a patient's level of anxiety and fears. There were 2 nurses that were discussing not knowing how to hook up my blood pressure monitor, etc.. I felt more secure at home with my notebook from the bariatric team, etc... There were 2 exceptional nurses. The most important thing was the way the doctors took time to tell me what they were going to do, just prior to surgery. My surgeon offered to pray with me. I was so relieved when he said a prayer for me.

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

no

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 spoke to a counselor the Friday prior to the surgery and discussed my fears with family and friends.

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

Just take it all really slow, and do exactly what your own surgeon recommends. There are lots of variations in diets and outcomes, because we all have unique health issues and tolerance levels, etc..

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

I live 5 minutes from the hospital where I had the surgery. The reason I stayed in my home city is to be able to attend all pre-op and post op visits and support groups. I believe the overall attendance of the classes and support groups makes the process so much easier to go through.

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.

It has only been 11 days since surgery. I eat only pureed foods that consists of 1.5 ounces of protein 3 X a day and 1.0 ounces of pureed fruits or vegetables 3X a day, plus two protein shakes or yogurt. The important thing is to get all vitamins, protein, and water in (73-100 ounces)

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

I walked 4 hours after surgery and took walks every hour for a few minutes for the first 3 days. I walk 3X daily now for 15-20 min. each

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

opti-source 4X daily calcium /D vitamin prevacid for gas pain Last month 7/08 I stopped being vigilant about my vitamins and felt really bad. As soon as I got back on track, everything improved. Bottom line is " take the viatamins"

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 very little discomfort if I took teeny bites of pureed food and drank tiny sips of liquids at a time.

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

anticipation and fear

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

Lutheran Weight Loss Clinic and Bariatric Support Group -weekly Obesity website friends children (my youngest daughter / age 12) co-workers

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

I have 6 tiny scars. They look more like little scratches. They were much smaller than I anticipated.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

A very long stretch from April until June (no loss at all) 2 pounds in June 2 pounds in July 2 pounds in the past week (August 15/ today) This is my 3 month victory I am still 32 pounds shy of my goal weight

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone made lots of positive comments and complimented me for the first 6 months, and now they are used to me like this. Be careful of the low that you may experience when the attention tapers off. Compliment yourself on a daily basis.