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

I actually found out about it from someone who was a client, has now had the surgery, and is a member of this website and become a friend. I've walked his mile with him. I just knew that somehow I'd figure out a way to have it done for me; however, it has taken a concerted effort by me and Dr, Byrne to convince BC/BS of SC that this surgery is a life saving procedure that needed to be covered. It only became available to BC/BS State Health Plan subscribers as of 1/1/01. That is one reason I'm so very proud to have been a part of getting this procedure approved state-wide; now many others in my state will be able to have to surgery done and improve their quality of life also. I admit its scary to think about, but I've seen the results and its what I want for myself.

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

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina (State Plan) was a bit slow in coming to the realization that this surgery is an important part of a "morbidly obese" subscriber's total change towards a quality life style. Thank God they have finally make this surgery a covered/accepted procedure!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am sick and tired of being six and tired. My greatest fear was spending the latter part of my life with too many medical problems and becoming a burden to my husband and family.

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

I spent 4 days (including day of surgery)on 6-West at MUSC, Charleston, SC. I found the day staff to be very considerate and empathetic; however, 3rd-shift staff (for the most part) left a great deal to be desired. Their response time was totally unacceptable.

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

My pre-op ultrasound revealed I had gall stones and my gall bladder was removed during the procedure. I wasn't aware I had gallstones prior to that ultrasound. No 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 had been on an antidepressant for several years prior to surgery which seemed to no longer be as effective; just prior to surgery I had begun the switch from one SSRI to another & I would not recommend this to anyone so close to surgery date, as it really played havoc with my emotions and mental well-being.

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

I am not experiencing any real "physical" problems, but the weather has been dull and dreary since I got home which I feel has contributed to my overall emotional "blaa" feelings. Sleeping comfortably is a problem; best results from sitting in a recliner. Experiencing a total lack of appetite.

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

I traveled to the other side of our state -- a 5-hour drive. I was worried about this long a drive coming home; however, I was able to get pain med prior to leaving MUSC and is was sufficient to get me home basically pain-free; total exhaustion upon arrival (or maybe it was just getting back to my own bed).

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.

To this point I am sticking with a liquid/pureed food diet. Almost anything can be pureed, so I eat whatever the rest of the family is having. Breakfast time isn't too bad with Instant Breakfast drink; lunchtime is somewhat harder but I usually have soup.

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

This 1st Post-op week has been just resting and trying to stay comfortable. Day-time TV stinks, especialy for someone who WANTS to be more active that I can be. Thanks God for the internet!

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

I currently take a chewable B12 and multi-vitamin daily. Other Rx'd meds are crushed and taken with applesauce.

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?

Only discomfort to date has been burping a lot and inability to find a comfortable sleeping position.

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

Not getting ANYTHING to drink until 3rd day Post-op. On day of surgery and until supper time the following day I was only able to use a foam swab drenched in water to keep my mouth from drying out. Couldn't swallow this fluid.

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

I am part of an e-mail peer group from the Upstate of my state that is very helpful. 9/20/01 - I am about to start a support group in the Upstate of SC and welcome inquiries.

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

I still have my staples at this point, and my body looks like I've been through a war. Medical staff had a problem finding a suitable vein for my IV before/after surgery. Came out of surgery with an IV in my neck that I wasn't aware of and my neck swelled up! 9/20/01 - My scar is very much less noticeable at this time.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

To date I've lost 90 lbs. and my weight-loss seems to be slowing down. My doctor told me on my last visit that I'm probably a candidate for the "tummy tuck" surgery and should plan to have that done w/i the next 3 months. I've been hoping to get to a weight of around 140 but the doctor is a little doubtful I can expect that much of a weight-loss based solely on WLS.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, only in a positive way! My husband is so proud of my that he now considers himself a WLS evangelist...he'll drag anyone he can over to meet me to have me share my "story" about WLS with them. So far no one had been offended!