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

I had investigated surgery options a few years ago and had even been for a consult with a surgeon, but instead of pursuing it I chickened out and now wish with all my heart that I had gone with the first instinct and had it then instead of waiting for so long. I could have saved myself and my family so many problems. Well, hindsight is 20/20, and I am happy that I have had it now. I hope that this will help me to help myself and in turn help my family at the same time.

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

I had Trigon BC/BS of VA PPO and I was very fortunate. I was approved with the first letter from the surgeon. It took three days from their receipt of the letter to approve. I could not have asked for more.

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

I had researched the subject so much that I was pretty well informed when I went in for the initial consult. The surgeon was impressed with the amount of knowledge that I had on the subject and I really had very few questions for him. He was very nice and listened to all of my concerns and explained all the testing that would take place prior to surgery and explained about his aftercare program which was impressive.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to have my life back. Ineeded to get control of myself for myself and my family. If I have 20 more years to live I decided that I did not want to live them like I was doing. I was just existing. I want to participate in life, not just watch it pass me by.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

As there are not a lot of physicians that have training in the Lap procedure in my immediate area, I knew that I wanted someone that was well trained and I felt more confident in having the open RNY as my surgeon prefers this so that he has a clear view of his work area and is pretty confident that all is well before you leave the OR. My surgeon has preformed this procedure for years and he has an excellent track record. I attended a group meeting of his patients and got feedback from them as to their experiences with this Doctor before I ever had the surgery. Taking all of this into account is how I made my decision.

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 had a great fear of dying from this surgery as I was 48 years olf when I had this done. I was afraid of leaving behind a son that is in dialysis every other day with kidney failure. What would become of him. I knew the risks before I went in and I also knew what I could gain if I came out of this on the other side. I can help my son more if I can help myself. I needed to be stronger for my family and the way I was, I could not. The choice was clear. I would never push anyone to do this, but I would not discourage them either. I would say "Research and take all details into account, if you decide that this is for you - Go into it in the best health possible and full steam ahead."

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 and son were very supportive. Most other family and friends were very hesitant about supporting me. I know though that they were more worried for my safety than for any other reason so that made it easier to bear them trying to dissuade me. I will say that when I explained my reasons for reaching the decision to go ahead with the surgery that most of them understood better and accepted my decision and respected me for the stand that I took. They are now very happy for me.

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

I hesitated in telling my employer until a few weeks before my surgery. I almost was ashamed that I was to the point that this had become necessary and did not know if they would understand why I wanted to do this. I did tell them the truth and I was surprised (pleasantly) that they did handle it well and gave me no problems when I approched them for the time off that I would need.

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 very uneventful. I was very fortunate to have no complications. I had the Open RNY and a navel hernia repair at the same time and handled both better than I would have expected. I was admitted on Wednesday and released on Saturday morning. I had purchased many items, clothing, slippers, lotions, toiletries, etc, etc. and entered the hospital with a large suitcase packed to the brim and lo and behold, I never opened it once. I used only my robe and slippers. I wore the dreaded hospital gown while there and used the toiletries that are provided by the hospital. I could have saved my money for supplements and other at home neccesities. I would advise anyone to go light. They really will give you what you need.

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

No complications. Thank Goodness.

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 kept busy preparing my family, my house and my office for my absence and shopping for items that I would require upon my return home. Keep moving and think little.

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

Again, I would like to say that I was pleased. I had little pain. I actually felt better than before I went into the hospital. Immediately the weight started coming off and I was finding that I could perform small tasks easier than before. Of course there was minor discomfort in trying to find a comfortable position to sleep while I stll had staples in from my multiple incision sites, but nothing that could not be helped by pillows or a lounge chair for the first couple of days. Overall, mine has been a great recovery time so far.

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

20 miles. This had no affect on my aftercare.

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 problems to date have been finding a way to get the proper amount of protein and getting enough water in. I have yet to find a protein supplement that I can tolerate and the taste for me has been terrible. I also have a hard time getting all of the water in that has been recommended. As for food tolerances, I have had little problems except when I tried hard boiled egg and did not chew it well enough. Other than that, I have done very well.

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

I know that I have more energy than before. I noticed that in the first week after surgery and it is getting better all the time. I am close to four weeks out now and I am looking forward to it increasing more and more. I want to live life and I think I can now do that.

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

I take sublingual B12, 1200 mg of Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D and two sugar free chewable multi-vitamins with vitamin K daily. I am still trying different types of Protein supplements to find one that I can stick with for the extra protein.

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 am having no side effects to date.

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

That my friend went through this surgery with me on the same day and unfortunately she developed pnumonia and had to be placed on a respirator, but she came through fine and is home doing very well now. I on the other hand have been lucky to have had nothing to complain about my experience. (Knock on Wood) LOL

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

My surgeon is terrific and has wonderful support staff for any questions or problems that arise. I belong to a support group called The Staple Club that has many attendees. Pre Op as Well as Post Op members. My surgeon has even lectured to our group and had questions and answer sessions. Plus I utilize this site for continous information and support from the members here. It has been a wonderful help to me.

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

My scar is approximately 4 inches long, very finely cut and sewn and is exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Too early to tell really. Will let you know later.