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

I know of serveral people who had it done years ago(20-30yrs), and they had all types of complications. But then a girl I work with did it and got along great so I started checking out all the different types of wls. I found one I thought would work for myself and it felt so right.

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

Be persistent!

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

I felt like a herd of cattle being led to slaughter. LOL But I came with questions and my Mom. After the group consult the one on ones with the doctor put me at ease. He told me I can always change my mind if I decided it wasn't for me. The handouts helped so much in finding all I could about the surgery. Get all the information you can when you go is my suggestion.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I didn't want to end up in a wheelchair or on oxygen or dead at 45. I wanted my life back and to be happy again.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the most likely to suceed especially since I love sugar. The Vertical Banded Gastric Bypass is a combination surgery that works for me.

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?

Complications was a worse fear than dying at the time. I was afraid for my son and family than me. I put my fears in God's hand and knew it was the right thing for me to do after praying about it.

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 took my Mom to the consultation and a support group meeting. This changed her mind as she was against it at first. I was open and honest with all my family and friends and coworkers. For the most part everyone was supportive before and after surgery. It was my son's idea to have the surgery in the first place so he is very proud on me!

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

All my coworkers including my supervisor were very supportive. I've been employed there 20yrs and they hated to see me so miserable before surgery. I was gone 7weeks due to being tired and I have a physical job.

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

The hospital and nurses were great in St. Vincent's Carmel, IN. The walking was difficult at times but by the fourth day when I went home it was much easier. I used the blistex, lotion, and phone card the most in the hospital. Also my own gown made me feel better than the hospital gown especially when walking the halls.

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

no complications

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 never regretted having the surgery, but felt very tired and depressed at times. I called the dietians and doctor's office and they reassured me this was normal for some people. It disappeared after a couple of months. I was put on Zoloft before surgery and am still on it now.

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

The first weeks I spent resting and trying to figure out how to get all the fluids and protein in. The only time I needed help is when I had to put my socks and shoes on or go to the store. After the 2nd week I didn't need any help. I tired easily and got depressed at times.

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

About an hour away. I drove myself to the aftercare appointments. I work days and had to take vacation days to go to the appointments. I wish it had been closer, but am happy with the surgery and aftercare I got!

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.

Protein at each meal with veggie/starch/fruit rotated each meal. Liquids/pureed foods for 6wks 2oz at each meal, focusing on protein. The next 2 months I got to add some foods, but stayed with the softer ones and eating the protein first. Got to add lettuce the 3rd month and 2 more ounces. Had trouble getting 64oz fluid besides the food at first, but it got easier. After 6months I got my diet pop back once in awhile and could tolerate most meats, except steak and pork chops. At 9months there isn't much I can't eat in small portions. Fried foods, diet pop, coffee and tough foods give me heartburn so I try and stay away from them. Added bread at 1yr and have to be careful to chew good as it gets stuck if I don't. That is the hardest part for me is to slow way down and chew, chew, chew! One thing I found out is if you don't drink all your water you may become dehydrated quickly. My labs came back at 9 months good except for the hydration. Lucky for me it wasn't that bad and got it under control.

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

Walked a little more each day until 6weeks when I was up to a mile a day. At 6months was up to 3miles a day and workout on machines 3x wk. I have trouble staying motivated some months. The energy level is so much better now than before surgery! It's just the motivational thing now. :)

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

one-a-day, calcium (chewable) 2x day. iron and C 1 x day. b-12 1 x wk I used Biotin when my hair was falling out at 3-6 months.

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?

All were side effects for me. The pain meds caused some of it at first. Then after that I found when I ate too fast or much it caused all those effects. I have to write everything down sometimes to keep myself honest and from getting sick sometimes. Also I still measure when I'm having trouble with feeling sick.

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

The pain at first and the tiredness for the first few months.

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

once a month support group meetings at Carmel St. Vincent's. they also have a back on track meeting once a month for those 9 months out or more which helps address issues for those who are farther along with the process. Very very important for me and helpful! I have met some wonderful people who give me love and support nobody could since they have been thru the same things. I consider them my family!

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

breastbone to bellybutton. I expected it, but don't like it. I had the same incision when I had my hernia repair a year later. I put vitamin E on it and it isn't too bad. I also tan and that seems to help.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Lots and lots of them! Seems like every 3months I plateau. I'm stuck now with only 20 more pounds to lose. It's difficult to keep focused on the program and eating plan. I just look to a new day and try and keep postive!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. Some are much nicer and others seem jelous at my appearance. It's hard to take compliments sometimes and I still feel fat even when others tell me I'm not now. Much of it has to do with how much happier I am. I'm easier to get along with now that I feel better and am more open to talking to others.