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

My husband discovered it first. He had sugery 11/1/99 and I was sure he was going to die. He had a rough post-op course in that he had vomitting and dumping....but the weight came off and all of a sudden he was jogging when before he could barely walk fast. He went from a size56 to a 38. No more BIG 'N TALL stores for him. He is my motivation and support.

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

After all the preliminary work-up was done I was approved right away.

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

My first meeting with the surgeon was really with my husband's OR. I really went into this with my eyes open and had very little discussion with the Dr.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I want to stay healthy and keep up with my husband. This surgery can really change your life for the better.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Open RNY prox.

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 thought about the possibility of death but this weight left unchecked is more of a risk factor.

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 husband wwas surprised but very supportive. I didn't know how to handle telling the people I work with....so I just told them the truth and said I was doing this for me. Most were very surprised I was doing this saying "you don't look that heavy" but I encountered only well wishes and lots of good luck. A few were even jealous and said if my surgery goes ok they may join me.

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

Everyone was very supportive and just wanted the best for me.

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

I was only in the hospital 2 days. My husband was the most important thing there. I could not have done it without him.

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

None.

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

My first couple of weeks I felt ok but just didn't have the energy. I have to remind myself that I just had surgery.

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

The pain was expected and tolerable but the fatigue factor really took me by surprise. I guess because I felt ok I wasn't prepared for all the extra naps I found I needed.

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

I only have to travel about 12 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.

I can eat just about anything. I have stayed away from all soda and high sugar content food. I did try ice cream about 3 weeks post-op and had a good case of dumping syndrome. I did that once and it was enough to make a lasting impression. I find that beef is harder to eat but I can manage pork. I'm not much of a chicken, turkey or fish fan so I keep trying different ways to have beef or pork. I did make sugar-free pudding with protien powder added. I would top thar off with a little cool whip. I'm 11 weeks post-op and I find that I can eat a little more than the first few weeks but still have to be very careful not to eat too fast or too much. It is amazing how easy it is to over fill your plate and how little I really eat.

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

I did have to rest a lot more than I thought I would need to but was able to do more than my husband did after his surgery. We drove my daughter to her uncle's 250 miles after being home just 2 weeks. I pushed myself to walk everyday. I went back to work just shy of 4 weeks. Yes I was tired but I needed to get my life back on schedule.

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

I am very good about taking a one-a-day multiple vitamin (chewables at first) and Tums.

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 dumping once 3 weeks post-op and it was hoorible. It was a real eye opener and I was almost glad I experienced it once because I never want to do it again. I stil take that one bite too much occasionally and feel uncomfortably full. I usually have to take a walk after supper for that reason. I have vommited only a few times. No sleep problems or hair loss.

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

There were only a couple of times while in the hospital that I went to turn and the pain stopped me dead. I also think the decision to inform others why I was having this done caused me more worry.

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

My husband is my support and I'm his. In September our surgeon is starting a support group which we will attend.

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

I have a scar from my xyphoid process to my umbulicus. It is very narrow and healing nicely. This was expected since I'm about 8 months behind my husband.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have frequent plateaus. I am 11 weeks post-op and have lost 30 lbs. I do get discouraged but my saving grase is that I took a bunch of measurements pre-op, bust, waist. hips thighs, calf, and upper arm. I try to do my remeaure once a month but when the weight doesn't seem to be dropping I just bring out the measuring tape and feel much better. I have already have developed a much healthier life style between walking and eating and I know that the weight will come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are very open about asking me questions about the surgery. I also get comments about how good I look. I don't feel that I'm being treated any differently yet.