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

I was looking for something that would be a tool for me to manage my weight, especially after menopause. When I heard of the success of Carnie Wilson and Al Roker, I made my decision that this was the only way for me to have and improve my quality of life. My husband and I will have been married for 32 years this December, and I want to actively enjoy our remaining years together as well as see our grandchildren grow and mature.

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, AmeriHealth traditional has been absolutely wonderful in all my dealings with them in all areas of my family's health. When I first considered this surgery, I called to learn what was and wasn't covered. I was told that as long as my pcp said I was morbidly obese and had some comorbidities, I would be covered. As soon as I heard that, it was "Kstie, bar the doors!"

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

My first visit with my surgeon went more smoothly than I ever imagined. I had done a great deal of research prior to this meeting, so I understood quite a bit of the procedure. He answered my questions forthrightly and with genuine interest in my total well-being.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Besides liking what I found in my extensive research about the surgery, both my family's total support and the confidence in and of my surgeon to take care of the "whole me" was the deciding factor.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Deciding which procedure to have wasn't all that difficult. My surgeon performs the RNY with the six tiny incisions. I felt this would be a better course of action to take so I wouldn't be away from my job too long; the recuperating time is supposedly shorter.

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?

Of course there is some fear of dying, this IS major surgery! I know that my surgeon is going to do everything in his power to make my surgery a success, and, being a Christian, I know that if it is His will that this is the way I meet Him, so be it. My family and I discussed this because some "friends" have told me that I was being "selfish" to want to do this. How can one be selfish if one wants to improve his/her quality of life to spend it with loved ones?

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've only told my immediate family and a few close friends, not because I don't want anyone to know, but I don't want them worrying unnecessarily. I'll tell them the whole truth after the fact. The people I have initially shared my decision with have been very supportive because they have been with me throughout my battle with weight. I've been told that they are very proud of me, and what I've decided to do.

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

My employers had no negative reaction to my being out of work. My surgeon said I would probably need a month. Since I am a teacher, my main concern was that I didn't want my students to suffer. My district has made arrangements to have a long-tem sub so my class will have some continuity. (I had originally planned to have this done during the summer months, but unfortunately, through no none's fault, that never came to fruition.) I told them the truth of what I was having done and why. Having taught in the district for 17 years, they know my character and my philosophy. They had nothing but good wished for my health.

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

I was discharged on the fourth day. Most of the nurses were helpful without being smothering. My girl friend who recently had the surgery suggested bringing a pair of my own pjs to change into after removing the Foley catheter. That made me feel almost human! Actually, some lip balm, my bed pillow, toothpaste, and comb were the only necessary items. Walk, walk, and walk some more even if you don't feel like it and drink, drink, drink your water. I didn't use the bed. Since I am only 5'3", getting in and out was more difficult and straining than staying in the lounge chair. I spent my entire hospital stay in the chair. My only discomfort was that I couldn't sleep on my side; I am not a back sleeper!

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

I didn't really have any "complications" from the surgery. When I found out that it was the morphine button making me nauseous and giving me a headache, I stopped that immediately. From then on, I felt fine, although cold. I ran a slight fever the second day, but they took care of that right away.

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 had been cancelled twice before, so I was trying very hard not to become overwhelmed with any kind of emotion until it was a fact.

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

If all goes as well as expected, you will feel able to do more than you probably should. Be sure to listen to your body and stop when it says "enough." You are healing from the inside out, and your body needs time to do its job as best as it can. Keep "people visits" short because you don't want to invite any germs into your environment, especially when your resistance is obviously low. Be sure to walk and drink whenever you can.

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

The hospital is about 35 minutes from my home, so travel was not a consideration. My dr. is only 20 minutes away; again, not a concern.

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 weeks were only chicken or beef broth, jello, and juice. The morning of my next post-op visit I will be able eat a soft egg and toast. Then, if they sit well, I'll be able to add cottage cheese, yogurt, pudding, and string cheese.

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

Being just 6 days out, my energy level is surpriningly good. After the dr.'s appt., I had a few errands to run. Even the car ride wasn't terribly painful.

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

Right now I am taking only Vistavitamins and my bp medication. Other will be adjusted as time dictates.

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?

Being only six days out, I have not yet experienced any of the above side effects.

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

The worst part of the entire bariatric surgery process was the length of time from decision-making to actual fulfillment. The delays were, although medically necessary, somewhat demoralizing.

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

I attended my first support group meeting on February 2nd. It was very interesting to see people at the different stages of pre- and post-op. It seems that the group wants to start and maintain a newspaper for all its members. I also thought they had a good idea with a "membership card' that would explain what kind of surgery we had to be used in restaurants and in cases of emergency. The meeting definitely showed that, although we all had the surgery, everyone was different in their reaction to it.

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

I have six tiny scars. Compared to those I got from being somewhat of a "tomboy", they are nothing. I had a problem with only one of them leaking for almost a month after the surgery necessitating the use of the shower and not the bath. It felt soooooo good to get in the tub and soak with my Bath and Body Works Christmas presents!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've lost 49 pounds in 2 months. I seem to have slowed down a little from my initial loss, but I'm still getting into smaller and smaller clothes, so I'm not panicking---YET! I've not frothed or dumped either, and I've eaten everything from beef to chicken to venison, and even some veggies thrown in. Of course the amount is nothing compared to what it used to be. Because of my osteoarthritis, I am unable to do all the walking that is recommended; however, I do use the therabands for strength training and for exercise as well as my elliptical trainer.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The people around me, for the most part, are still very supportive. There are a few who have not yet acknowledged the fact that I've dropped quite a few pounds! Thank goodness they are not the majority. A group of my peers gave me a gift card to Macy's to buy something terrific for the "new" me! How great is that! My husband is overjoyed to say the least. He says that it is like getting a "new" wife after 32 years, but still keeping the "old" one!