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

First information I was ever exposed to was in college classes approximately 17 years ago. Information then was a litle scarey. Seemed like a lot of reported complications with gastric bypass. I did not consider it at that time. I seriously researched it again 3 years ago. Newer procedures, less complications, more success.

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

From start to finish my insurance approval "journey" took almost 2 years. Start a physician monitored diet now. Most insurance companies want at least 6 months documented time in a program. From there the process was fairly smooth. My surgeon office requested certain information from me then they submitted all other papers/forms to the insurance company from there.

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

First visit was my opportunity to ask all questions that I had gathered in the previous 1 1/2 years. My surgeon covered most all the questions I had expected to ask. Even the hard questions about complications and death. Don't be afraid to ask those hard questions. It will give you a good idea of how honest your surgeon is going to be with you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My primary care physician had to add another anti-hypertensive medication to my already long list of medications. My acid reflux was getting so severe I developed pneumonia because I aspirated gastric acid while sleeping one night. I was hospitalized and ended up being off work for 2 months. I knew if I didn't do something longterm about my weight I was going to die.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was looking for longterm weight loss with a procedure that was well documented with published results and expectations. Gastric bypass RNY was the procedure I felt would give me the best results.

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 educated myself on the possible complications and risks related to this surgery. I took them very seriously. There are very serious risks related to these procedures and the risks increase with each related health issue you have. Talk to your surgeon about any concerns you have. If he/she is a good surgeon they will discuss all these risks with you. It is up to you to decide if it is worth the risk for you.

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 husband is my biggest support fan. He has been my strength and support thru all of this. He took over all the home duties after my surgery until I was able to pick them back up. I would not have been able to do it without his support. I only told my closest friends about my surgery.

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

I did not tell any of my coworkers about my surgery prior to my leave. The only ones that new were my immediate supervisers and human resources. I have since talked to one of my coworkers and she has been very supportive. My total time off work is going to be 6 weeks. My surgeon released me after 4 weeks and I choose to take an additional 2 weeks due to the amount of lifting, pulling and pushing that is required in my job.

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

My hospital stay was OK. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I had a private room so a family member could stay with me round the clock. Nursing staff was great. Only had one nurse that concerned me. Be sure to bring a good pair of slip on shoes to walk in. You will be walking the evening after surgery then 10 times a day at least.

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

Yes, I had a complication. My small intestine kinked just below the new anastomosis site. I had to go back to surgery 2 days after the first surgery. I was really scared. I was so relieved after I woke up from the first surgery, thinking it was all over. Now I was having to face doing it again. Knowing what it was going to be like waking up in recovery. But all went well. The problem was fixed and proceeded to recover only a few days behind schedule.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

My anxiety actually decreased after an actual date was set. I was able to make plans. I continued to work up to the day before surgery. That was my way of dealing with any stress: keeping my mind and hands busy.

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

My first weeks home were tough. I was constantly nauseated. My sense of smell and taste was off. I was only able to take very small amounts of fluids for the first week. I could not find a protein supplement drink that would not cause me to vomit. It was well into the second week before I could keep down yogurt and cottage cheese. I had no strength at all. My advice, be patient with yourself and give your body a chance to get caught up. Some people take longer than others to recover and get back in the swing.

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

My hospital was about 3 miles from my 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 weeks consisted of soft foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, tuna or chicken salad, soft cheese, jello, popsicles. Foods I cannot eat at all are anything spicey or highy seasoned, fried foods, breads, pastas. Off Limits: sugar of any kind and fat causes horrible cramping and diarrhea.

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

I really didn't feel like doing much of anything the first couple of weeks. Even exercising daily was difficult. I began feeling better when I was able to get more protein in my diet. I still tire easily but gradually am getting stronger.

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

I now take 2 multi-vitamins and 3 calcium with D daily. This will continue for the rest of my life. I also drink a protein supplement when I can.

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?

Nausea was the worst. It continued for about 3 weeks after surgery. Vomiting was a close second lasting for about a week. Dumping occured several times until I figured out what was the cause. I now avoid the things I now make it happen. You learn to deal with each little thing as it happens. It is a new way of life.

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

The worst part for me so far has been the post-op recovery ups and downs. The radical changes in my sense of smell and taste.

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

I will be attending the support group at Baptist. I also have the OH site now. Both will be very helpful in that I will have other people to talk to that have gone thru what I am going thru and will hopefully be able to offer advise/suggestions.

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

I have 5 scars about 1 inch long each. It is what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.