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

When I was about 12 I remember a friend of my moms had wls. She lost weight at first but then gained it all back plus more. I thought how awful that must be.

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

My insurance covered it as long as you met the contracted prequalifications. I did have to actually gain 10-15 pounds before surgery. Trust me that wasn't hard to do.

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

I had an orientation with a group setting. I liked the surgeon and thought he was very compassionate but made his point about having to be ready to commit your life to this type of program. I would say to get the most out of your initial visit with your surgeon... be informed beforehand, be a sponge and take it all in, soul search and make sure you are ready for the commitment this will take.. for a lifetime.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was ready to change my life and make it count. I felt I was missing out on life as it passed me by. I knew I had to take drastic measures to achieve the weightloss. My Mother also said that she believed some day I would lose the weight in a healthy manner. I guess she was right!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I saw the DS on a Discovery Health program where a lady had it but could eat fairly normal. I also like that it allowed a larger portion of the stomach to remain and also both stomach valves would stay intact. I scar alot so I was concerned about a stoma and wouldn't have to worry about this with the DS.

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 knew this was a serious surgery but it was serious being so overweight too. I didn't worry much about it because I felt this was God's will for my life. When it's my time to go ... its my time to go whether I am on the table or sitting in my livingroom.

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 of my family were very supportive of my decision but I also presented it to them that I had already made up my mind and that I would like their support. I did have some family that thought it was too dangerous. I addressed their fears and asked that they stand by me because I had already decided. Now everyone is thrilled with the new me.

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

I left work almost a year prior to having surgery. I needed to have several foot surgeries before my DS so I would be able to walk and maintain circulation following surgery. I returned to working at a new employer at about 6 months postop.

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

I had an extended stay in the hospital due to complications but found the hospital to be great with me and my family. I think the most important things to bring are things that make you feel secure... like my favorite huggy pillow and my own nightgown. Some people say not to bring things that the hospital will provide you with what you need but I was glad I over packed.

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

I had a gastric leak and ended up on life support in ICU for about 5 days. It was pretty scary for my family. As for me I really wasn't concious for the worst part. I do remember having the vent tube very briefly but my doctor was right at my side explaining it and keeping me calm as I regained conciousness. The best way to deal with complications is to have a strong support system and ask for help.

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 thrilled to finally be scheduled but had one week my kids call "freak week" where I was concerned ... I spent one on one time with my kids and husband and reassured them that no matter what happened I loved them and I was having this surgery to prolong the time I had with them. I told them if I died to not regret me having my surgery. It was the best shot I had at regaining my life.

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

I was anything but normal. I went home a week before my surgeon really wanted me to. My Dad had a major stroke the night of my surgery and was in the hospital and nursing home because of this. I went home with a feeding tube which was not what I expected. I remember asking my doctor if this was normal... He said "no"

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

It was about a 40 minute drive so it was nice and close.

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 went home being told to only have liquids and to use my feeding tube for nutrition. I remember the first thing I ate that was solid was scrambled eggs with cheese. I was thrilled. It tasted good but I was so full. Since that time I have eaten just about everything. I have noticed that carbs and fat give me diarhhea and that sugar gives me awful gas. If I eat that way I can expect the side effects. Sometimes it is worth it to me other times I make better food choices.

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

Because of my complications it took me quite a while to get back on my feet. It was difficult to get the food I needed prepared while I was home alone. It was an adjust ment period and I had to rethink how I did things. I noticed a big improvement at about 5 weeks postop. Now at 6 months certain things will tire me but for the most part I can do what ever I want to.

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

I take .... 3 ADEK's per day (chewable) 2 Prescription strength Potassium 2 600mg. Calcium tablets 1 Prenatal Vitamin

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 think the most uncomfortable side effect I had was learning what feeling full was. At first I thought I had nausea. Once I learned that this is what full feels like I did well. I think the diarhhea is probably the most persistant side effect I have. It is sometimes frustrating when I want to be out and about to deal with bathroom issues.

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

Waiting to have surgery. Jumping through the hoops to get the date scheduled.

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

I am on Obesity Help website for DS patients. I find this is better than a group for me because I am dealing with patients who had the same kind of surgery I did.

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

I have 5 small scars and a feeding tube scar. I also have a scar from the Vena Cava filter removal on my neck and a scar from a picline on the underside of my right arm. A few more than I expected but they have healed well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau 2 months out for a 3 week stall and have had occasional ones since then. I know that if I keep doing what I am suppose to it will come off.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes I think people communicate with me more since I have lost weight. It's sad but true. I also have a lot of people comment on my weightloss which is great because it gives me the opportunity to talk about how great this surgery has been for me.