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

Several years ago, I had a doctor who advised me to have gastric by-pass surgery. At the time I was scared of having a surgery. It would change my life completely. I thought it was to drastic and decided to do it on my own with healthy eating and exercise. I did go to several seminars about the surgery. In the meantime despite my efforts to lost weight, I gained more and more weight. I reached a point that I knew that WLS was my only chance at losing weight and the only way I was going to be able to maintain my ability to walk. I was terrified of becoming disabled. I saw a future when I would become housebound because of my weight. I did more research on the surgery options. I changed my mind and because to realize that surgery was the way for me to regain hope.

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

It was a battle at the end with the insurance company. Suddenly at the end of all the tests, the insurance company threw in a new requirement that they never shared with me before. I wrote a letter the insurance company about the surgery sharing my reasons for the surgery and why it was right for me and practical for them. Thanks to my primary physician's office and my surgeon, I was approved just a few days before my scheduled surgery date. My advice is to get your company to tell you what they require before they will approve the surgery and if possible get it in writing. Take notes with names and dates that you talk to people in customer service.

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

My first visit with the surgeon was quick and exciting. He did a quick exam and talked with me about the options. Research the surgery options and ask any questions that you have about the surgery and life after surgery. The more you know, the better you will feel about your surgery. My surgeon was professional and honest. I trusted him. I had researched his skill and successes. My wish for anyone having surgery, is that they find a surgeon that they trust.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was using the ability to walk and to stand. Arthritis pain in my back and hips was constant. It hurt to stand. I was frightened. My future looked bleak. I was afraid that I would end up bed bound. I prayed about what I could do to help myself. I did research on the internet and I spoke with people I knew who had the surgery. My husband and I talked bout it. I decided WLS was my "light at the end of the tunnel". My nurse practitioner was very supportive when I talked with him about the surgery. He referred me to my future surgeon, Dr. Thoman. I knew this was the right thing to do for me., and the right time.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had the good fortune to know several people who had had the different procedures. I listened to their stories. Many were successful and some weren't. t did research online. I thought about my age, the amount of weight that I need to lose (over 200 pounds) and my struggles with walking. My husband and I talked about the options. We both agreed and I decided to have gastric by-pass. I am so happy that I did!

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 was scared of having complications and I worried about dying. My husband and I talked about it and we agreed that I was trying to save my life by having this surgery. I prayed about it. I felt at peace with the risk. I am not normally a risk taker, but I knew this was a risk that I had to take!! I was scared when I left my husband. I hoped I would see him again. When I was wheeled into the operating room, I took a deep breath and let my surgeon take over. I trusted him and his skill. That gave me confidence. When I woke up from surgery, my first thought was that I made it! I would see my husband again. My advice is to find a surgeon that you are confident in, that you have trust in. If you are a spiritual person, pray, meditate and seek guidance according to your faith.

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 was totally supportive! He was my companion throughout the entire process. We discussed the options and agreed on the surgery and my surgeon. Most of my friends were supportive and thrilled. Some were worried. My dad is in his 90s so I waited until the surgery was scheduled to tell him about the surgery. I answered all his questions and was honest about the reasons for the surgery. He was supportive but worried. My brother was worried. We talked on the phone and communicated by email. I was blessed with positivity and supportiveness. My husband took take of me and was there with me for the first 2 weeks after the surgery.

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

My supervisor was supportive because she knew that I was having more and more health problems and she's excited for my health to improve. My employer was very difficult about allowing me the time needed for all the tests and doctor appointments. I had missed a lot of work prior to deciding to have surgery, so I have a battle to improve my health and keep my job. I was off work for 3 weeks. I had a very hard time my first week back but I got through it.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I went to several information seminars. My 1st one was not a good experience. The doctor gave a quick talk bout the procedure and the process. I felt like I was entering a weight loss factory. The other seminars were much more positive and pleasant. I was always glad that I went. Each time, I learned more and more.

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

I was in the hospital for one day and half of the next one. It was important that I brought my CPAP machine for my sleep apnea. The nurses were wonderful and seemed to be there whenever I needed help. Most of the time, I was "out of it" on pain medicines. I remember walking the halls.

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

About a week after surgery I became constipated. I felt awful and I was in pain. The doctor recommended that I take probiotics and Metamucil. A few days later I began to get better. I started improving every day after that.

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 so happy and thrilled to have a surgery date! I was walking on air. Then my insurance battle began. Once the insurance finally approved my surgery, I was too excited to worry or feel anxiety.

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

My first week home from surgery was tough. I struggled with my digestion and constipation. I had to walk and more frequently and my feet hurt. Then I also had to wean myself off the pain medication because it was constipating. I was lucky, I had some friends who are nurses and they helped me keep perspective about what recovery was like.

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

My surgeon and the hospital are about 90 miles away from my home. I was fortunate because my other options were 200 miles or more away from my home. We got a hotel room near the hospital. We stayed there the night before surgery and for 3 days after I left the hospital in case I had complications. The 90 mile trip home was tiring but much easier than if it had been longer. I put a pillow between my stomach and the seat belt.

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.

2 weeks of a liquid diet. 2 weeks of purred foods. I am now about to start eating soft foods. So far each week as been easier to get my nutrition. My relationship to food is changed drastically!

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

It is increasing.

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

A multivitamin, Iron with C, Calcium, and antioxidants.

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?

Too soon.

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

Getting the insurance to approve the various tests and the surgery itself.

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

I haven't been to my first meeting. They are every other month.

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

Tiny! I have several small "cuts" The scars are tiny. Right now they are still healing.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Too soon.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! People notice me and co-workers talk to me more.