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

About 6 years ago I heard about the new improved bariatric surgery. I knew about the old intestinal bypass and always said I would never do that. The "new" surgery was mentioned to me by a health professional but I kept telling myself that I could lose my weight by myself because I had gained it by myself, hadn't I? Big mistake...

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

To be honest, I have a terrific insurance, BCBS of MA indemnity program. I had no trouble getting approved for my surgery. I would tell anyone who is having problems, to keep plugging away and find a lawyer when all appeals look hopeless. You have a right to be healthy and losing weight means less money spent by insurance companies on the accompanying health risks related to obesity.

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

By the time I decided to have my surgery, I had spent 6 years looking into it. I read articles, surfed the internet, found pro and con information and then finally spoke to my primary care doctor who encouraged me to talk with the surgeon. I found this particular doctor by a fluke, but I consider that fluke to be God's own hand guiding me. After speaking with the doctor on the telephone, I visited him at his office and allowed him to tell me about the surgical options, I had prepared questions after all my research and I asked anything that I wanted to. I consider no question stupid, it can only be stupid if it ges unasked.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had maintained my weight for about 4 years and in a six month time frame, I had gained approximately 40 pounds and I couldn't see what I had been eating differently. I was staring straight at 400 pounds and I knew if the scale hit that number, I would never recover emotionally. At the same time of the weight gain, my knees and hips were bothering me more, my breathing was so bad that walking down the corridor in work became a major challenge for me as I stopped frequently to catch my breath. I work in a large hospital, and my co-workers were always fearful that one day I would just drop in the hall due to pulmonary problems.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I opted for the Open RNY because of the shorter time frame under anesthesia and having had open gall bladder surgery years before gave me a good understanding of the recovery factor.

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 was more fearful of dying from the weight, but about 1 week before my surgery, I started becoming really fearful that I would die in the hospital. It prompted me to think about my loved ones, telling them how much I cared, getting my personal finances in place and leaving notes behind "just in case". I discovered that most people feel this way but by doing something constructive, it helped put my mind at ease.

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?

Most were wonderfully supportive, but also very concerned about the surgery and my expectations from it. No one dumped any negative issues on me, they were very good about keeping that to themselves, or speaking with one another. While they expressed their concerns, they were also very good about saying that it was my decision, it would be good for my health, etc. Today, you couldn't find a happier group of people. They are so delighted about my weight loss, much improved health and my ability to feel absolute joy...a nice side effect of my soaring self-confidence.

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

I work in a supportive environment. I spoke to my immediate boss and my team right after making the decision on the surgical date. Being health care providers, they were concerned but also knew that the surgery was much better than 20 years ago and were supportive and encouraging. Only a few other people were told and I left for 5 weeks (the week of surgery and 4 weeks to recuperate). Everyone has been wonderful and much more supportive than I could have every dreamed.

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

My surgery was Monday morning and I was discharged on Thursday evening. My first evening/night was spent in the ICU since there was no specialty WLS unit. I walked around 11 on Tuesday morning and was moved to a regular surgical floor right after that. I spent most of my time, moving from bed to chair to walking and back. I slept a great deal which was lovely. I used little pain medication and almost none of the articles I had packed for my stay. I did use lip gloss a lot and a robe. I had asked for a central venous line for any IV's I was having. I dislike IV lines in my arms and that made using a robe manageable and easy. I would suggest bringing nothing with you and having someone bring a few articles to you the next day...you won't have the energy to read or chat, you'll be too busy recuperating.

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

No, I was very lucky to have 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 was very happy because I was confident in my decision to have the surgery. Until the last week, I suffered no anxiety about the surgery. I discussed my emotions in the last week in a previous question.

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

I was understandably tired. I slept in my recliner as I had had previous abdominal surgery and my suture line was tight so I couldn't lie in a bed. I was a bit uncomfortable rising from the chair but I had help for the first few days and then I managed by myself. I didn't walk as much as I should, I let myself be lazy, but I have made up for it in the last month or two. You will be very tired, unable to eat much or drink much. Talk to people who have had the surgery before you have your own. I was feeling badly because I couldn't drink as much protein drink, water, etc. Only weeks later did I find out that everyone had the same issues and that the ability to handle more fluids and soft foods comes in time.

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

My surgery was scheduled in the next city over 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.

My biggest issue has been not drinking while I eat. This is still a hardship but I work very diligently not to drink until 1/2 hour after a meal. I started slowly with my protein drink, water, jello, popsicles, etc. for the first week or two. I was able to tolerate baked and mashed potato a few days after surgery and I slowly added foods that I wanted to try. I was very careful to practically mince my food so that I was forced to eat slowly and not gulp down my food as previously. I now use a kitchen timer at dinner time so that I maintain a 20-25 minute meal, then I reset the timer for 30 minutes so that I don't drink before the second bell goes off. I am better at eating slowly for breakfast and lunch...dinner is more of a challenge but I tolerate everything well. I chew very well and place my fork down on the plate after each mouthful (very small mouthful!!).

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

I was pretty tired and lazy. I did walk outside when the weather was good and I also did move around my house and use the stairs as I ot further from my surgery. Once the weather improved and I spent more time outside and moving around, I felt better and had more energy.

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

I take a multivitamin daily and for the last month I have been using Biotin to help combat the hair loss that I have had. I know it will level off in time but Biotin has been okayed by my doctor so I use it.

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?

I have had a few episodes of dumping (I had this prior to surgery also). Mine is usually precipitated by a meal that contains grease/oil. I do not dump from sugar (and I am glad because I crave almost no sugar at all and the occasional sweet is a nice treat). No nausea except when I bit a bagel and forgot too chew...not a good idea. Stay away from bagels for a long time after surgery, I am now able to eat 1/2 bagel at the beginning of 6 months post surgery. I am dealing with hair loss and am using Biotin to help combat the problem. Many people have this as a side effect and it will subside after your body's metabolism levels off.

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

The week before the surgery, then the wait for my first "weigh-in".

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

My doctor has a monthly support group which I attend. It is wonderful to see people who had surgery before me, those I met before their own surgery and how they look now, and meeting the new people and answering questions that may have. It is very important to belong to a support group. I also belong to a support group online.

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

My scar is approximately 5 inches long and becoming a thin reddish line (wich will eventually turn white). I have no problem with it (as a matter of fact, it's prettier than my 11 inch scar from my gall bladder surgery).

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I plateaued during the month of July and it was difficult. I kept writing my daily food in my notebook, kept track of my fluid intake, especially water, and wrote down my exercise pattern. I eventually discovered that my water intake was very low and it was so hot that my exercise was lower than it should have been. I kept that in mind and when the weather cooled down, I increased my exercise and broke the plateau.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely, people no longer avoid looking at me, they don't treat me as though I'm "fat" - even though I still am. I am no longer the fattest person around and I see others watching heavier people and see the disgust, relief, whatever in their eyes and I know that they saw me the same way before my surgery. This alone helps me to keep my prospective and know that I am different now, but I am still me and I need to keep my head on straight because the weight can return if I stop doing what I need to do. It's up to me to keep me on the right road and I talk up WLS whenever asked, but I never mention it unless someone else asks. It's a personal journey to WLS and supporting others is crucial because we have all been there.