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

I first heard of bariatric surgery while surfing the internet. I was curious about gastric bypass but scared. I had never undergone surgery or anything so invasive and I was apprehensive.

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

I was very lucky. I had no problems getting insurance approval for surgery. I was approved within 2 weeks. My surgeon's office did all the leg work for me.

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

My first meeting with my surgeon was an "Open Forum". Approximatley 15 patients plus their support people, the surgeon and his staff were all present. The surgeon discussed the various procedures in "lay" terms, answered all questions, and handed out literature. The entire session was over 2 hours long. I had prepared a list of questions prior to this meeting and the doctor answered each of them. I left the session feeling very secure in my decision to have the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was 340 pounds. I was depressed and miserable. I hated the way I looked and felt. I failed miserable with other weight loss programs. I did not feel as though I had any other option.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had an open procedure because the time under anestesia was shorter than with a laproscopic procedure. My surgeon also recommended an open procedure because my gallbladder needed to be removed as well.

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 I would develope a blood clot. I knew that this was a realist possibility, but I also knew that my surgeon was going to take all the necessary precations. I had never had an invasive procedure done before and the anxiety often got the better of me. My surgeon and my primary care physican were so understanding that they put my fears to rest.

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 elected to tell as few people as possible. I regret this. I really could have used the extra support and encouragement. Once I was home and recovering, my friends and family were wonderful. They were eager to help with anything that I needed.

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

My employer/boss were supportive to my decision. They had no issues with my taking time off. I returned to work part-time after 2 1/2 weeks.

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 "Fair". I was in the hospital 5 days. 1 1/2 day of those days were spent in the ICU for monitoring. The remainder of by hospital stay was in a private room. I quickly learned that the nurses and the aides need more education about obesity and gastric bypass surgery. I had little encouragement to get up and walk. No one ever offered to help me wash up or shower. No one showed me the best way to get up out of bed, and it wasn't until recently that I learned that an abdominal binder would have been beneficial. The lack of education was very disapointing. I found that loose fitting clothing, slippers with rubber soles, undergarments, and toiletries were the only things that I needed.

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

I had an infection in my incision. Two weeks of antibiotic did not cure the infection so part of the incision needed to be re-opened (done in the physician's office) and packed with a sterile dressing. This was a little painful and uncomfortable but did not hamper me from returning to work part-time. I was unable to do the dressing myself and needed a nurse to do it for me.

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 scared, nervous, anxious --- I had two wonderful friends who gave me an extrodianary amount of support. I also felt that I had no other option at that point. I had tried everything else and failed.

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

My first few weeks home were tough. I was a little sore, I wasn't sleeping well, and I was very emotional. All normal reations to surgery. At times I felt dizzy, nauseous. It was difficult for me to get in and out of bed without assistance. I was depending a great deal on my roommate. Patients preparing for this surgery should make sure someone will be home with them for at least one week. Assistance will probable be needed with bathing and getting in and out of bed. Don't hesitate to take pain medications or medication for nausea/vomiting.

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

I traveled only a few miles from 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 two days post-op, I could have nothing by mouth. Gradually my diet was increased to clear liquids - broth, unsweetened juice, tea. Clear liquids for one week. Second week clear liquids and soft boiled eggs. Third week I was able to add to my diet soft foods like cottage cheese, mashed potatoes etc., Fourth week I added soft cooked white flaky fish. Fifth week I added poultry. The sixth week I added beef. The seventh week I added pork. As the diet progressed, I had to measure everything. My stomache could only hold one ounce -- no more or I would vomit. In between meals I had to constantly drink water. Every 15 minutes I would drink one ounce. Some foods just did not agree with me. Pork is off limits. Anything that is doughy like a roll or bagle still makes me vomit.

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

While in the hospital and the first two weeks post-op I walked twice a day. At 2 1/2 weeks post-op I returned to work part time (no lifting). At 4 weeks post-op, I returned to work full time with no restrictions. I continue to walk daily and have joined a gym to help firm up and do low impact aerobic exercises.

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

Prenatal vitamin daily, calcium three times a day, iron supplement twice daily, and B 12 supplement daily, milk of magnesia as needed.

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?

Nausia and vomiting were the worse side effects for me. My Surgeon prescribed Reglan with helped eliminate the nausia and vomiting. Some foods just don't agree with me, so I avoid them. I also remember to watch my portion size.

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

1. The occasional vomiting 2. I had an incisional infection that was not healed with antibiotics. The incision needed to be re-open in two areas so it could drain and then packed with sterile dressing.

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

A support group meets at the hospital where I had surgery on a monthly basis, and my surgeon and primary care physician are always available. I found the support that I received from both the group and my physicians have made this whole process a positive one.

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

Approximately 3 inches vertically-- just below my bra line. It is still in the healing stages. The scar is a little larger than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not yet experienced any plateaus. I have been losing weight weekly.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get more compliments on all the weight that I have lost and alot of encouragement to keep up with my weight loss.