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

I learned about the RNY procedure 2 1/2 years ago, I had sumbitted my papers to do it, and found out I was pregnant. I waited until my daughter was 18 months and no longer nursing to have the surgery done.

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

Mine was amazingly easy. I was prepared for a major battle, had my PCP and my OB/GYN ready to verify anything Dr. J. Kane Jr. had to say about my weight. They either understood, or were brow-beat by my two other doctors and I didn't know about it.

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

I met him at a weight loss seminar for this surgical procedure. He was VERY energetic, obviously loves what he does, and it shows. During his seminar, he had a slide show of before and after photos, and some in the midst of change. You could feel the energy he was putting out and feel the love he has for what he does. He is empowered by assisting others in their personal change. I met him again before the surgery. He was quiet and reflective. It was almost as though he was preforming the surgery on me. I am grateful for having a surgeon with a love for what he does!!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

If you had a picture, you would understand. I have a husband and 3 beautiful daughters and they are embarrassed by my size. My eldest daughter at least has the guts to say it. She told me that I was pretty, but too fat. My boss and I have a good friend relationship. He made a comment that I was a very attractive woman, just needed to loose some weight. I took no, and still take no offense at that comment. I have heard that all my life. I decided that it is time to recapture MY life. To feel good about myself, and have a family and friends who are not embarrassed by my size and appearance.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I chose the RNY because I felt and still feel secure about the procedure. I feel that this procedure will have the best results, and will be problem free for longer then any of the other procedures available. During my pre-op testing, we found that I had major gallstones, so it was good that was the surgery of choice, because now my gallbladder was coming out. I feel better knowing that my surgeon saw what he was doing with his eyes, not some monitor. Yes the healing time is longer, but my peace of mind is more important.

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?

When I had my last cesarean, my body crashed. I became deathly anemic, and was constantly vomiting and suffering from dizziness and blistering headaches. (lost 50 pounds, that didn't stay off!) Our biggest fear (husbands and mine) is that I would have the same thing happen. We did have one fearful night, when they thought I had a blood clot. It all turned out well, because we found that I couldn't handle the asthma treatments. You always fear your mortality, the question you must ask yourself is this: Does the gain outweight the risk? If you can answer that question with a heartfelt YES, you have your answer.

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 told my sister first. She being 10 years older, worked on our mother. Our mother is in the 400+ category. She dropped hints, and offered this as a suggestion for my mother. Had she not done that for me, I probably wouldn't have told her. I was afraid to tell my parents, as they are critical of everything. I didn't want to get the "lecture" from my mother, and hear, "well, it's your life," with massive sarcasm. My husband felt strongly that I needed to tell them. I did 2 weeks prior to my surgery. My parents were surprisingly supportive. I have been blessed with a great support system!!!

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

My immediate boss knows, as do my co-workers. When I told him, he said great!! I have shared with several people what the procedure was (based on what info. I could get from the internet, doctor, and the program I enrolled in to have the surgery) what occurs, and what the outcome is. I have 6 people at work who have recieved information for either themselves, spouses, or extended family members on this surgery. They are all interested. My immediate boss calls me every week to see how I am doing. He wants to know how I am healing, and to tell me the news from work. I have been off a little over 1 month, will not go back for a total of 8 weeks. I have a strenious job that requires heavy lifting. I must be able to lift 80 pounds the minute I go back. I will be out for a total of 8 weeks.

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

I don't remember too much of the first day. Other then I was a bit bitchy with the recovery room nurses. I was there Mon-Sat. 4 days. My daughter and husband were there with me quite a bit, and I think that was the best thing for me to have brought. They got me laughing when I didn't want to, made me get out of the bed, when I didn't want to, and didn't allow me any time to feel sorry for myself.

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

I don't know if it is a complication, but at the top of my incision (sternum) it never closed. When I went to have the rest of the staples removed, the Dr. looked at it, cleaned it out and said, let it drain. So, a Q-Tip and gauze pad dealt with it.

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 am 4 weeks post-op. I haven't been too anxious, with the exception of not being ready to drive yet. My stomach is still tender, not painful, just tender. I don't want to rush.

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

First you need to understand that I have a lot of drive!!!! I had the surgery on a Monday, home on Saturday. Allowed myself to lay on the bed Sunday and Monday. (WEEK 1) Tuesday through Monday I had to walk the floor (upstairs only) once an hour. I sat in my recliner with the window open and let the sun beat down on me. (WEEK 2) On week three, I was climbing stairs (slowly) and going for short walks with my husband. Week 4, taking rides with my family, longer walks, and trying to drive a little.

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

We are 2 hours from the Dr. and the hospital. We have anticipated if there were any complications, we would go to the hospital that is 20 minutes from here. That is were my PCP practices, and he is up on all that has been done. This has had no affect on my aftercare.

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.

4 weeks post-op. Able to eat: I have ensure, boost, crystal-lite, water, jello-sugar free, Gerber Apple Juice, broth, and soups. Unable to eat: crackers, any type of bread, sugar, milk, and ANY fat.

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

week 1: stagnant: laid around, read, moved as little as possible. week 2: mild: walked our upstairs once and hour from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. week 3: moderate: climbed stairs, walked outdoors(driveway), walked block. week 4: moderate: simple exercises on total-gym, walk 2-3 blocks per day, climb stairs, and do easy lifting.

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

1 Chewable with iron, 1 Chewable with calcium. 4 Tums per day. I am also receiving vitamins and minerals from the ensure and boost.

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?

Oh my, has my hair fallen out!! It was so bad that I had my almost waist long hair cut to my shoulders. I also have a hard time sleeping, but I think that is due to my working nights, and now being home and conforming to my families schedule. Other then that, no problems!

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

That damn tube in my nose!

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

Husband and Family. My husband is very astute when it comes to how I am. He knows I am happy almost before I do. My sister calls me daily to see how I physically am, as does my brother who is a RN. I email my parents every couple of days, and keep them posted. It has been great for me to have some kind of outside contact.

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

LLLLOOOONNNNGGGG! I figured that it would look similar to my cesarean incision. So, yes!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have found that my plateaus co-inside with my menstral cycle. When I begin to bloat, I stop loosing weight. About a week after, look out! Down we go. I loose weight about 2.5 weeks a month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

YES!!!!!! My father loves to go around and announce to everyone that I have a stomach the size of his thumb. Classless!!