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

I first found out about it probably 10-15 years ago. My first impressions were "man that is a serious surgery". I didn't think I would ever be willing to do that and alter my body.... until... I got sick, was down for a two week period of time for the third time in one year and knew I had no chance of having a baby in the condition I was in. That all combined with my research showing how far the process had come in recent years is why I made the decision to have surgery.

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

My insurance company was amazing. They have a department set up for GB patients called the Bariatric Resource Center and I really thought the approval was great. I had to go to a licensed Phyciatrist for an evaluation and once that was completed, my doctor sent his notes in, they were ready to approve. I went ahead and ran a cardiology test on my own to ensure there were no issues, but the entire approval was fast and easy.

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

When you go to meet your surgeon, be prepared to ask questions. Seriously! If you are prepared it is much easier to understand the possibilities and questions of surgery. Do your research (probably for a few weeks) and read forums, read about complications that happen years out or concerns you may want to address with your surgeon. What are his credentials? How many patients has he lost compared to how many successful surgeries? How LONG has he been doing the surgery? Seriously folks, and this is just my opinion, if your doctor just started and doesn't have even a hundred of these under his belt - walk away and find another one. You NEED that experienced doctor when it comes times for asking questions. For example, my doctor has performed close to 5,000 surgerys and lost only 4 patients. I asked questions for probably half of the visit and he asked me qualification questions. I had researched for two months. I also went back two weeks prior to surgery and asked some more questions. Make sure you ask EVERYTHING you need to in order to feel comfortable.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health was horrible. I am 37 years old facing pains and health problems of a 65 year old. I also want to have a baby and with my current health and weight, that was not an option. I made the decision for a chance at a better, healthier and happier life. I wanted to run, swim, exercise or even climb a set of stairs without feeling like the world was sitting on my chest. My back went out on me in the early part of the year and my knee blew out in the latter. My mother had to come care for me like I was a child again and I am way too independent to enjoy that. I wanted my life back. Not only my normal life, but my sex life back too. I was tired of pain.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

There was no question of the type of procedure after seeing the results from my doctor. I saw no point to the lapband based on the complications and history that shows MANY people end up going back for additional (changed to another type) surgery. For me, the Roux-En Y was the only option I wanted to consider and was the best as far as my doctor's opinion, which I trust completely.

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?

There will always be a fear of dying, surgery complications and other things that pop up throughout this process. However, I want you to think about the fear of living in pain, having a shortened life and not being in your best health. For me, yes... I was afraid. I made sure all my plans were in place in the event I didn't make it through the surgery. But I trusted my surgeon and my medical team to care for me in the best way they could. I also believe if that was my time, then so be it, but I was going to still work towards a shot at a better life. It is natural to be afraid. In the long run, the only thing to fear is fear itself. That is a famous saying, but it applies here. Courage to press through is hard, but once you do you will be glad you did it.

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?

Let me first start by saying I purposely took time to research, talk to my doctor, consult with my surgeon and come to the final decision on my own. I didn't want any negetive people influencing my decision, especially since they didn't have the information to make a critical decision like I did. Once my decision was made, I presented this to my family. Some supported, some did not. I have few people I call my true support team in my family - they listen, and support whatever decisions I make in my life even if they don't agree with those decisions. They understand I am an adult and what I do is my decision. My grandmother is probably my best support in this area. My parents saw my body going down hill and they supported it, though I do know in my heart they felt it was a drastic measure to have surgery. I have a cousin who had this surgery and her parents are a support as well. My boyfriend was a huge support for me as he knows me best and knows all of the reasons why this was important to me. I still believe allowing myself time to research and decide, and then letting the family know my decision was the best way to go. I knew the facts and could discuss them and answer questions for my family when they found out about my decision. It was a great method for me.

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

At the time, I had been displaced from my position. I had great support from my former boss and he checked on me a few times throughout the process. It was a true blessing for my situation in the long run. I had just enough time off from my employer to have the surgery. Four days after surgery I interviewed (over the phone) for a position and I was hired immediately following. I believe sometimes things happen for a reason... and this one was a blessing.

What was it like attending your first information seminar on weight loss surgery? Were you glad you attended? if so, why?

I was so glad I attended. My doctor and his staff were well informed, willing to answer many questions from us and had paperwork ready for those of us who wanted to proceed with a consultation with the doctor at the office. Excellent resource for understanding what all of the different options were, who was best suited for those options and why I needed to research more about the reasons why I wanted to have this done.

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 wonderful. That team knew exactly what to expect, had everything down to an art form and were very quick to respond if needed. I was in the hospital from my surgery at 7am on Monday until 3pm on Tuesday when I was released. I didn't bring anything to the hospital as I wouldn't have needed it.

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

The only issue I had with surgery was the pain from the G-tube (feeding tube). I had pain immediately out of surgery when I woke in recovery. I was a rare case I believe from the others that had surgery the same day I did as none of them seemed to have that pain. One lady I know didn't have any pain for two weeks, and then it started with her. My pain lasted until the tube came out in week 4. That's why they give you pain meds... and don't be afraid to take them.

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 anxious. Was I ready? Had I researched enough? What if something bad happened? I talked with my therapist, expressed my concerns and visited the reasons I wanted surgery again. I also knew what a better life I would have after surgery. Keep focused on the positives, and deal with the anxiety by listening to your fears and then letting them go and moving on.

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

I was up moving on the third day (my first full day home) after surgery. I walked to the kitchen and back several times. You will walked the next day after surgery if not the day you have it. Walking makes the gas move and keeps you in less discomfort. You have to continue to walk even when you get home and it really does make you feel better. I did notice periods of tiredness, feeling a touch on the weak side about every other day and I had much success with a pregnancy pillow that was shaped like a "u" for support in the bed. I am a natural side sleeper but that brought on severe pain for me when I even tried it in week 3, so I was forced to my back and the pregnancy pillow was wonderful at keeping me comfortable.

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

My surgeon was in my current town...only about 15 minutes from me.

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.

I was on a clear liquid diet until day 4 of surgery. From day 4 through week 4 (as in the END of week four) I was on a full-liquid diet. That was better than clear, but after 4 weeks you will be CRAVING something to chew on. Puddings were well tolerated, jello and drinks (all sugar-free). I will say for me, sugar-free was plenty sweet and I was extremely pleased with SF products. Week 5 - 8 is soft foods, but I am going to warn you - PAY ATTENTION to what your stomach is telling you. DO NOT eat fast. Take a bite and let it get down to the stomach before you take that second bite or you may be sorry. If you eat something your tummy isn't ready for you will know it with pain. There is what I call a brick-hitting-your-tummy effect that absolutely lets you know you need to stop immediately. I have actually felt like I wasn't going to keep it together as the room started spinning on me from pain a time or two. It doesn't mean you can't ever eat that item, it just means not right now. AND SERIOUSLY - CHEW!!! 25-35 times per bite at a minimum. I have very sensitive tastes and I do NOT like mushy... but I have learned to make it mushy or I will hurt. The finer the substance, the easier the processing through your pouch. At this stage you can eat things that are easily cut with a fork, minus rices and pastas. Still there are days where I can only handle smooth soups, but most days I have variety in soft foods. Pudding is the thing I fall back to.

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

I became more active after my g-tube was removed in week 4. That was very limiting to me due to the pain level involved. Plus, I have large breasts and that pushed down on the area where my tube was and hurt as I was sitting. Laying down from week 1-4 (minus my walks) was really best. Now I am working from home, doing dishes, laundry and pretty much everything I was doing before. I am still careful to watch for times I get tired and I let my body rest when it demands it. I figure there is a reason and I certainly don't force it.

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

Oh boy. Here is the hardest part of the journey for me. Getting those *$&# vitamins in is hard. I have tried no more than a dozen different types based on an allergy to pineapple, taste (some forget to tell you they have a "hay" flavor) and tolerance. I come with a LOT of allergies and asthma. One vitamin actually gave me an asthma attack so I had to change. In the first four weeks, liquid or chewable is your only option. After week four, I could take them in pill format if they were no bigger than the diameter of an eraser. THANKS THE HEAVENS ABOVE!! Unfortunately - protein is the hardest. There are so many protien sources on the market, and every one is liquid form. I have a problem with the taste of so many of them. YOU MUST TAKE YOUR PROTEIN THOUGH. My hair started falling out almost immediately. I used my g-tube while it was in and got my protein. The best thing I found at that time was the New Whey liquid 3.5oz tubes for that. I am now drinking IsoPure Liquid drinks that are in a glass bottle and they seem quite tolerable. Some of the shakes are touch and go because of how well they mix, flavors, etc. I have tried many...but unfortunately you will have to try them for yourself and see if you like any of them. I did discover there are products once you can digest them that are kind of like cheese puffs on the market and they have protein. Look for anything you can and once it is cleared with your doctor... try it. You never know until you try.

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 little weakness and hair loss from protein loss. As I have stated, that was the hardest for me to intake and still is. I am still having issues getting my protein, but I am not giving up. Hair loss and weakness is way better with at least 40g of protein. We are supposed to take in 60-80g per day... so I am working on it.

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

The G-tube for me was the worst. I hated to see it drain, the smell was horrible, and the pain was sometimes enough to break your spirit. Just do me and yourself a favor - keep thinking how much better you will look and feel and keep that as your strength though this as you deal with the first 4 weeks.

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

The doctor's office has a support group set up for us. I also have a support contact from my insurance company. I recommend having a therapist before and after surgery to help you address the things that may come up, feels, concerns and just questions in general. Family and friends are your most comforting when they call to check on you and just let you know someone is thinking about you.

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

My scars are a bit different as I did have an issue with my belly button staple area splitting open after I left the office the day my staple came out. I ended up having to go to the quick care center, who put skin glue down and then steri-strips. I have extremely sensitive skin and had a reaction to the glue that scared a bit more than expected. Also, tape is not a friend of mine and all the times the drain needed changing did not help my skin. Right now I have places that are still healing and I kind of feel like someone's vision of a horror movie but I know it will be better soon. The incision scars are small and I will be fine after the tape issue heals.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I will say I lost 18 pounds at week one's check up. After that it stopped as my body was going into survival mode and started holding what it could. At one month, I was 28 pounds down, but it did stop basically for week 2 and 3.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, though many people have said how much better I look. I am shifting a lot of weight in my body and things feel thinner, my face immediately looked thinner and I think I will see more major changes in about a month or two.