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

Just from hearing about Dr Fobi, then I found Dr Fisher in my hometown and attended my first seminar. My impressions were that this would save my life....and so it has.

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

My insurance went pretty smoothly except for the panniculectomy. My advice to others is...don't let them beat you up. Fight for yourself and your rights...put yourself first!

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

He took his time with me, an hour visit. He questioned me extensively, and my husband and answered any and all questions we had. Take notes...and write down your questions. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask anything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Didn't think I had a choice...this was the doctor's decision. I don't tell a car mechanic how to repair brakes, and I don't tell my doctor how to operate.

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 never afraid of dying. I thought that if I died that I just wouldn't wake up. Selfish of me but I figured that my family would be left holding the bag. I'd be out of my misery. I was more concerned about being on a respirator. And that wasn't as bad as I thought. It's nothing like on tv. I was well prepared for the possibility of it so wasn't frightened. The pain is manageable so don't stress over that. Between the PCA and pain meds I did a-ok!

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?

It was difficult telling my family, and I initially kept it only with a small circle of friends. This group was tremondously supportive for me and my husband, and I am truly grateful for them and all they've done.

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

My boss was surprised, but couldn't deny me the time off. I told the truth and they arranged my time off. Due to the incision complications I was out of work for 10 weeks, (but I also had 100 pay so there was no financial problems for me with that)

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 5 days. Due to my immense size, I had a terrible time getting out of bed but moving was so very important. The hospital staff for the most part was the greatest. I did have problems with one nurse, but on the whole...not bad. Bring a book! you can only watch so much tv, and you'll sleep a lot too!

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

My drainage tubes stopped up a week after surgery, so he had to remove them. As a result my husband had to clean my insides? What I mean is that he had to (6 to 8 times a day) inject a mixture of saline and perioxide into my incision....then stuff it with curlex to sop up the fluid..then repack the incision with clean curlex..and cover the incision with montgomery straps. Quite an ordeal. Thank God for a supportive and loving husband.

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 kept a journal to keep my sanity, and the closer the surgery came, the calmer I got. I also attended several more seminars as well. I also went on the "farewell tour of food". Silly I know but I did it!

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

Don't plan on sleeping in the bed. A recliner will be your best friend! Hydration is very important...and you will have no interest in eating at all. I slept a lot (in the chair!)

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

about 2 miles! But the drive home was miserable. I can't imagine how others travel far after the surgery.

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 after surgery were all about re-learning how to eat. Initially I was on pureed foods. I rapidly became a vegetarian as I just couldn't deal with pureed meats. I existed mainly on broth, jello, applesauce, pureed fruits, yogurt and cottage cheese. After a few weeks I could tolerate a scrambled egg, chicken noodle soup, cream of wheat and maybe some pasta. Eating became an ordeal as there was so much that would make me sick or cause pain. Many times though, the reason I got sick was because I either ate too fast, didn't chew enough or took too big a bite. After about 6 months I got my appetite back, even attempted some meat too. Now, at 15 months out, I can eat just about anything (but still not beef). Any carbonated beverage, celery, corn, raw string beans and chewing gum. I'm now 2 1/2 years out and still vomit once in a while. Funny thing is that it's a reassurance for me. It shows me that the tool still works. I still can't eat much red meat. Maybe a bite but that's about it. It just plain hurts to try and send it down. So now I eat lots of salads and veggies with fish and chicken about once or twice a week.

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

Probably for the first 2 weeks post op, I slept a lot and didn't do a whole bunch. Within the first 30 days, I was up and even out at the mall walking. Walking is incredibly important to your recovery, gives you exercise and helps prevent blood clots.

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

for the first 6 months after surgery I took 2 childrens chewable vitamins a day. Then I went on a daily multiple vitaman with iron and minerals, also sometimes an iron supplement. Now at 2 1/2 years post op I take 1800 mgs of calcium citrate, 2 multiple vitaminss with iron and minerals and sublingual B12.

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 no problems with nausea. Vomiting was pretty much a daily occurence for me for about 5-6 months. It was usually my own fault. Eating too fast, too much, too big a bite, or not chewing enough. At first I was puking 6 times a day. By 6 months maybe once a week. Now at 15 months post op...I haven't puked in about 2 months. I also had a lot of hair loss. Three good handfuls a day. This started about 2 months out, and continued till I got my appetite back (about 6 months). Once my diet returned to somewhat normal, the hair loss stopped.

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

wow, another hard question. The process wasn't a problem, after all...I slept through it. The pain wasn't more than I expected. The incision complications were a pain in the butt, frustrating and inconvienent, but certainly not devastating. I guess the worst (hardest) thing has been learning all over how to eat. The vomiting was not treat. Puking anywhere and everywhere...

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

We have support meetings twice a month. Dr Fisher attends every one. I also still go to the seminars too. I find them very helpful and have re-arranged my work schedule to attend. The support group and input from Dr Fisher is just as important as the surgery. April 2001 - we have just started a support group for folks at least 12 months out of surgery. I'm moderating it and we plan on having guest speakers since our issues are so different from the newbies.

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

My incision goes from just between my breasts to just above my pubic bone, then side to side, similar to an anchor. In a year it has faded tremendously. I had no staples or stitches, just steri-strips. I am attached to my scar. Its a sign of where I've been and where I'm going. The only people to see it are my husband and doctors.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had several...as a matter of fact, am in one now. It's tough sticking them out, but the weight continues to come off. Dr Fisher says that these plateaus are probably weights we stopped at as we gained weight, and that our body has memories of being there and just stops to take a break. When the plateau breaks...it's usually a big loss, so well worth sticking it out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Now I have become visible, and love it. People talk to me everywhere and I talk back. I'm sure part of that is because I've emerged from that wall of fat that no one could see through. It's odd but at 500 lbs...I was invisible. My very existance embarrassed people so they pretended I wasn't there. I've become very outgoing now..there is no stopping me!