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

I heard about bariatric surgery about ten years ago, and at the time, I did not think it was a good solution for me. I had the conception that I would never be able to eat the things I like after the surgery. I had heard a lot of negative things about it, so I never researched the issue. Then about a year ago, a colleague of mine had the surgery. I was able to pick her brain about it and then I did a lot of research on my own. I finally came to the decision that this was the weight loss tool that suited me the best.

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

The insurance approval was easy...that only took about a week. Well, let me clarify. I was blessed to choose a doctor's office that was very well versed on what my particular insurance company wanted to see in order for the surgery to be approved. They made sure I had all of the proper tests and procedures BEFORE my information was submitted. That way, when my packet was submitted, the insurance company could not come back and say, "you need to have this or that test, or see this or that specialist". My advice is to make sure the doctor's office you choose is familiar with the particulars of your insurance company and knows what they want to see when the request for surgery is submitted.

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

I was nervous. I have never had any serious health problems that are related to being morbidly obese. The whole experience was very emotional. The nurse took my weight and measurements and then started doing a profile on my. When she asked me why I had decided to have this surgery, I strted to cry when relating my story to her. She was really wonderful to me. After speaking to the doctor, he told me that I was a candidate for the surgery and we were going to proceed with all of the pre-approval appointments. I was so releived when I left the office that day. I felt like I had finally taken the final steps in my war against my weight.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

A few years ago I lost nearly one hundred pounds on the Atkins diet. It took me a year and a half to do. I celebrated my accomplishment for a while, then I realized that I had another seventy-five pounds to go, and I became totally frustrated. I had come so far, but I still had so far to go. I just could not take it anymore. I needed to find a more effective weight loss tool, so I began researching WLS.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Through my research, I decided that the RNY was the most effective procedure.

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?

For some reason, I never really had any fears of the surgery itself. I was always more worried about the AFTER surgery changes in my life. In addition, I was cleared by a pulmonogist, a cardiologist, and a gastrointerologist, so I felt like my chances of survival from the surgery were pretty good. I would advise people now to talk to your doctor about your fears. Make sure they think you are physically well enough to handle the surgery itself. In addition always do your follow-up. If you think you are having symptoms that indicate a problem, CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!

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 has been totally supportive throughout the entire process. I had a few friends that were not in favor of me having the surgery. Some were concerned about me surviving the surgery and others just thought there were other ways I could lose weight that were not so drastic. But, once I made my final decision and I expressed that to everyone, the love and support was there. Everyone has been wonderful since I had the surgery. Very patient and understanding.

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

My employer has been great. I was totally candid when I told him. My plan was to only be out of work for two weeks. I did try to come back after that, but it was just a little too soon. I probably should have given myself another week at a minimum. Still, he has been great if I need to leave early or come in late.

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

My hospital stay was a little uncomfortable. The first night I was in ICU, which for some reason, is an incredibly LOUD floor. The hospital had special beds designed for bariatric patients that practically stand you up without you having to bend or pull, but none of the nurses knew how to use them. I had to teach myself how to get in and out of bed after one ICU nurse dropped me in the floor while trying to get me back in the bed. I was in for a total of three days. They let me out a little early because I was up walking and I wcould swallow oral medication. The best thing you can do to get sprung early is to walk, walk, walk. Make yourself get up and moving around.

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

I did not have any complications from the surgery.

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 probably ate more than I should have because I kept thinking that I would never be able to eat that way again. But, in addition to my surgery, my husband and I were building a new house that was finished just before my surgery date. In fact, we moved in two weeks before my surgery, so I had plenty of things to worry about besides surgery!

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

My first and second week were pretty good. I was sore, but other than that I was pretty mobile. You can't lift anything or bend over during this period and that was a pain in the butt. But, My third week, when I tried to start eating again, I started having some problems with nasuea and vomiting. My doctor assures me that this is normal for the first four to six weeks after surgery and that as my pouch heals, this will get better. I am still in this phase right now. I can't wait for it to end!!!

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

I travelled 30 miles for my surgery. This has not had an affect on my aftercare.

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.

Well, I am only three weeks out from surgery, so I have had a hard time tolerating anything. I am battling nasuea nad vomiting every day. I have only had soft protiens and water so far.

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

My activity level has increased each day. For the first week, I was very limited and only shuffled from room to room. I did try to get out and walk around the yard for at least a few minutes each day. I came back to work in the third week, which was probably a little too soon. I am now in my fourth week and feeling stronger every day. I would say that I am at about 75% right now. Hopefully, I will be back at full strength in anouther 3 to 4 weeks.

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

3 Flinstones chewables per day. 1500mg of calcium. 1 b-12 tablet a week.

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?

My worst side effect is nausea and vomiting. I am still going through this. My doctor prescribed some medicine to help with these problems. I am coping ok...I just feel kind of crappy during the day. But, I have faith that things will get better soon!!

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

There have been three things so far that have been equally hateful... 1. The phospho-soda that I had to drink the day prior to surgery. I had to take two bottles of this stuff to "cleanse" my system. 2. The stuff they made me drink to test my pouch for leaks. This did not taste quite as bad as the phospho-soda, but it is the first thing you get to drink after surgery and it was just awful. 3. The nasuea and vomiting I have experienced since I have tried to start eating again.

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

I have not attended any support group meetings yet, but I do plan to.

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

The scarring is not that bad. I have six small incisions and they are all heaaling very well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet, I am only three and a half weeks out.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have not noticed this yet.