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

I saw a special on the learning channel about the surgery. It peaked my interst as a possible solution to a long term problem. I was becoming more and more disabled with arthritis, high blood pressure and a developing lung problem. If I didn't do something drastic I was going to be in a wheelchair. In May I went to a seminar with my husband to learn more about the surgery itself. In July I joined a support group and absorbed all the information they imparted. They answered everyone of my questions. The support group and the surgery has been a life saver.

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

I went into the hospital the first of December. The care was not what I expected. My husband stayed with me which was a God send. It seemed, especially at night, that the nurses were more concerned about decorating their station and lobby than taking care of patients. My husband would disconnect the equipment so I could walk every two hours that my doctor required of his patients. I was doing very well and was able to go home in 2 days. (I had open RNY.) The most important item to bring is an advocate to stay with you to make sure you get the proper treatment. As far as things to bring, I think common sense would tell you to bring toothbrush and paste, a bathrobe, shampoo, comb/brush, etc. The one thing that was a must was chap stick. If you have an NG tube in your lips get very dry.

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

I had absolutely no complications from the surgery. I did have some problems with my back due to two calcified disks. If it weren't for that I would have breezed through everything. I didn't even need pain medication to go home with.

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 was a little nervous, but mostly incredibly excited that my journey would soon begin. Our support group is filled with caring, compassionate people. Support is exactly what you get when you go there. It was so nice to hear that all who had had the surgery went through the same emotions that I did. They did much to calm my fears.

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

As with any surgery, you are sore for the first few days and very tired. My family helped me when I needed help but let do for myself when I wanted to. I think it is very important to start doing things for yourself as you are able. It makes recovery that much quicker. Within a week I could tie my own shoes. It did take a little longer to be able to bend over all the way for those darn shoes and socks. Whitin about 10 days I could do just about anything I wanted to do.

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

The hospital and coctor's office was about a 2hour and 15 minute drive. Because I wanted the surgery so badly, I do not mind the drive whenever I need to go for my aftercare. I do have a primary care physician near home that I really like, and if I have an emergency I feel comfortable going to him.

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 had surgery 7weeks ago. I couldn't tolerate milk right after surgery so had a hard time getting protein in. I was on liquids for the first 3 weeks. I had soups, cream of wheat, popcicles and other foods like that. I tolerated everything except milk well. I went to pureed foods and some foods that did not have to be pureed. Tuna went down well as did scrambled eggs. Mostly I ate foods that did not need to be pureed(eggs, fish, cottage cheese, refried beans, string cheese, etc.) Cottage cheese was especiall good.At 6 weeks I could start trying other things as long as I chewed them very well. Pork and beef does not sit well, and I will wait a couple of weeks and try it again. I am also goint to try milk again and see if I can tolerate it now.

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

The first week I hobbled around and could walk only if I pushed a cart. But that had to do with my back problem and not the surgery. I could walk but not just stand for more than a minute or two. Within a week I was going to the grocery store and walking 45 minutes while pushing a cart. I try to ride a stationary bike 30 minutes a day and on the weekends twice a day for 30 minutes. I was back to full time work (secretary)in about 5 weeks.

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

I take 2 tums twice a day and 2 childrens chewable vitamins twice a day.

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?

Since I've only recently had surgery I haven't experienced much. I have only had some pretty bad heartburn two or three times. Twice with a minimal amount of pork and beef, and once because I swallowed too much at one time. Very uncomfortable for about 20 minutes! I just put my fork down and dicontinued eating. Not too many things can kill your appetite that quick.

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

The NG tube.

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

I have a wonderful support group in town. I think it absolute vital to have a support group.

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

I have about an 8 inch scar that will be minimal in width in a few months. It is exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I did not lose any weight weeks 5 and 6. I wasn't eating enough or drinking enough water. Once I found out from my support group and the nutritionist what the problem was, I lost 4 pounds in just a couple of days.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have always had incredible support from my family and co-workers. I get lots of encouragement from all of them. I found a doctor that looked past the weight and saw me for me, and now have a very good relationship with him. I still have about 180 pounds to lose. With this support, I fell confident that I will succeed.