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

I first heard about it several years ago on a talk show. At first I thought it seemed pretty drastic and there wasn't as much information out about it like there is now.

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

My insurance policy had a specific exclusion in it that said they would NOT pay for any surgery or treatment for morbid obesity but that didn't stop me from trying. I found out that they take it on a case by case basis. I was approved after the first letter my surgeon sent. It only took about 3 weeks or less to get my approval.

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

My first visit with my surgeon was like he was almost trying to talk me out of it. He explained everything that could possibly go wrong and what would happen if it did. He was very strict about telling me all the lifestyle changes that I would have to make such as cutting out the fast food and regular pop, candy, cake, greasy food etc. He and his staff were very thorough.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 30 yrs. old and weighed 468 lbs., I was on 2 medications a day for my high blood pressure, I couldn't walk more than a few yards without having to stop for breath and to rest my back and hips that were constantly hurting, my knees would hurt so bad I was on an anti inflamatory for that plus taking 15-20 ibuprofen a day for the pain. I knew that if something didn't change SOON I wouldn't be able to walk at all before long and that scared me to death.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The most common and the most successful seemed to be the RNY gastric bypass, so that is what I chose.

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 had a fear that I would die, but I think that is common with any surgery that you get put under for. I had a leak in my pouch that they found the day after my surgery and I had to go back under for them to fix it. That doesn't happen to many people but it is alwaays a possibility. Thank goodness my surgeon fixed the leak and I had a feeding tube in and 2 drain tubes for a few weeks, but it was all worth it. To me, the pros much outweighed the cons.

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 friends and the people that I work with first. They were all very supportive for the most part. They had a lot of questions and concerns but they were still supportive. I waited a few months before I told my family. My mom is obese also and she is also a nurse and I thought for sure that she would freak out when I told her. But it turned out that she was and still is one of my biggest supporters. She went with me to my first consult with the surgeon and to a support group meeting. She took care of me after I got home from the hospital and took me to my first few appts. afterwards. My whole family has all been very supportive. They love me no matter how much I weighed but they are also much happier now that I am losing weight and getting healthier.

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 very understanding and he wished me luck. I told him exactly what I was having surgery for. I was out of work for 3 weeks. I could have went back after 3 weeks if I wouldn't have had the complications that I had in the beginning.

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

My stay in the hospital was very good. I was there for 6 days because of complications that I had with a leak in my pouch that they had to fix the day after my surgery. Make sure you bring chapstick, lotions, brush or comb, a robe and slippers.

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

Yes, I had a leak in my new pouch that they found the day after surgery and they had to go back in and open me up the next day to fix it. I had a feeding tube in my stomach and 2 drain tubes in for about 3 weeks. I have to say that I wasn't really in any pain, it was just more uncomfortable than anything else.

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 very anxious and very nervous all at the same time. I felt like it was Christmas morning and I was waiting to open my presents.

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

My first few weeks home I didn't really do to much because I didn't have much energy. I got up every couple of hours to walk around so that blood clots didn't form anywhere and I used my spirometer faithfully. I did need help after using the bathroom, it was a few weeks before I was able to wipe myself.

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

I went to a major hospital that is only about 30 miles from my home.

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.

The first few weeks that I was home I was on liquids. I drank a lot of chicken broth, water, crystal light and sugar free popsicles. I then advanced to soft foods like creamed soups, eggs, cottage cheese etc. Every 2 weeks I was told to add a new meat to my diet, first fish, then chicken, then pork then beef. The only time I ever threw up was about 2 months after surgery I had a few bites of a grilled cheese sandwich and it came right back up. I don't know if it was the bread, the cheese or the butter. I can eat all of them separately without a problem but I guess I just can't mix them. Now at 5 months post op I can pretty much eat anything I want. I eat meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables with very little carbohydrates. I stay awas from things that are fried or greasy and things with a lot of sugar in them.

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

My activity was very minimal after surgery. My body was worn out and I had no energy.

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

I take 2 tums every day for calcium, 1 pre natal chewable vitamin a day that has iron in it, and I get a B-12 shot once a month.

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 only got nauseous a few times and it passed pretty quickly. I didn't have the normal dumping like other people seem to have, I would get diarrhea instead and bad stomach cramps. I started losing lots of hair about 4 weeks ago. I am 5 months post op now and it seems to be slowing down a little bit. My Dr. assures me that it will grow back and I won't go bald.

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

The worst part for me was the waiting. I was so ready to start my new healthy life!

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

My surgeon has support group meetings once a month and there are also other ones in my area that I attend. Support groups are very important in helping you stay focused and motivated.

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

My scar didn't close all the way at the top from the staples. So, my scar is a little bigger at the top. It doesn't bother me at all though, actually I am quite proud of it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau at about 3 1/2 mos. post op where I didn't lose any weight for almost 4 weeks. I just upped my protein that I was eating and increased my water intake and that got it going again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The people that knew me before surgery don't really treat me any differently. But I notice that strangers don't seem to stare at mea s much as they did when I was 95 lbs. heavier. People seem a little friendlier now.