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

I heard about it years ago and was horrified. I was convinced that I would NEVER consider it. My attitude has changed; however, and I would give almost anything to be able to have it.

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

Insurance approval was a nightmare. I was denied twice by my insurance carrier, and even sought legal advice, to no avail. I turned to the Texas Rehabilitation Commission for help. They approved me after 7 months of paperwork, tests, and approval procedures.

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

My surgeon was explained the procedure, risks, and aftercare, and gave me a brief exam. He made me feel very at ease and was willing to answer any questions I had. I would suggest to anyone going to their first consultation with the surgeon to do some research first and remember to take a list of questions along. also, find out if your doctor has email and if he doesn't mind being asked questions in email. I have found this to be invaluable at times when questions popped into my head.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 527 pounds and miserable. My life was so restricted. There were many things I could not do because of the massive weight. I was in pain on a daily basis. Also, my blood pressure was climbing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I know myself, and know that I need as many controls as I could possibly have, so I chose the RNY.

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 feared blood clots and infection, mostly. These things do happen, although the occurance is rare. I would tell someone who is having these same fears that for me, the fear of remaining dangerously obese overcame my fear of complications.

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 family, co-workers, and friends were thrilled for me. They have been very supportive. They know how I have suffered, and were so happy to know that I have hope.

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

I was at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. I felt I received excellent care. The nurses were very attentive and sensitive to my needs. My dignity was never compromised. I was told I could have gone home on the 4th day after surgery, but I asked if I could stay an extra day. After all, I have 3 children at home, and I wanted to be sure I could handle things once I got home. We are often asked what to bring to the hospital. Honestly, everything I needed was provided EXCEPT chapstick.

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

I did not have any complications.

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 felt that the surgery was finally going to happen! I spent the time having a couple of last meals but mostly I spent the time eating healthy and starting to exercise a little. I was also very busy at work, so the time passed quickly.

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

I was sore at first. Some people mentioned I should get a recliner because that was the only way they could sleep for a couple of weeks. First of all, recliners are ugly!! Secondly, I slept just fine on my bed. It was hard to not lift anything heavy,but I followed doctor's orders and didn't lift. Much harder for me was following the food plan. I wanted to eat real food. At 6 days out I bought Wendy's chili. I ate it very slowly. It tasted wonderful. My doctor ended up putting me on the real food diet after only two weeks post op.

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

I had the surgery locally. I would not have wanted to travel far to have the surgery due to the additional costs for the hotel. Also, if I had complications, I would have wanted to be close to my doctor.

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.

Much to my chagrin, I have been able to eat pretty much anything. I WANTED to dump miserably and have problems holding down more than two bites of food. Unfortunately, I really have to work hard not to eat the wrong things. It drives me nuts sometimes.

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

At first I was a little weak. If I over did it, I would get lightheaded and have to rest. At about 5 weeks out, I felt completely "normal."

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

I take 2 chewable childrens vitamins and one or two protein drinks on a daily basis.

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?

The only side effect I have had is a slight dumping syndrome. I ate some Velveeta and my heart started pounding. I felt nauseated and a little lightheaded. The symptoms passed in about 15 minutes.

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

The worst part of my experience is learning how to eat all over again. I am making so many mistakes because I still have the same brain! I told someone I wish I could have had brain surgery along with the RNY. Now that my body wants to cooperate, my brain doesn't always.

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

My surgeon offers a monthly support group meeting. I also am a member of a local online support group and the AMOS site. The local support group and the AMOS site are priceless. The support and good information is boundless. I have not attended my surgeon's support group because it is difficult for me to meet on a Tuesday night.

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

I already had a scar from a splenectomy. My surgeon told me he would just give me a new one. It looks just like the old one, only fresher!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost 62 pounds in the first month. Needless to say, I was thrilled. When I weighed two weeks later, I had gained back one pound. I was utterly heartbroken. I knew I hadn't stuck to the plan perfectly, but I expected a slowdown, not a gain! A huge part of my problem was that I was severely constipated. I had not been drinking enough water, and my new high protein diet was not as rich in fiber as I was obviously used to. Once I took care of the constipation, started getting in my water like I should, and made better food choices, I got off the plateau. One week later I returned to the doctor's scale to find out that not only had I lost the one pound I had regained, but an additional 9!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The people at work (elementary school) comment on my weight loss, but I am still severely obese at the time that I write this. I will update this section when I have gone down a few more sizes.