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

I found out about Bariatric Surgery at first through Internet Newsgroups. Oh sure, in the 1970's and earlier I heard about "Stomach Stapling" and how that usually failed. Back then there were alot more complications to bariatric surgeries. When I researched more into the more modern methods of RNY and Laproscopic RNY, etc, and really READ peoples testimonials, etc, I felt more confident and secure in bariatric surgery. I was still a little nervous and thought, "well that isn't for me" but after nearly 30 years of literally trying EVERY diet from Richard Simmons to Jenny Craig to Phen/Phen, REALLY trying, and always suceeding but then failing, I felt ready to give up on life and the world and myself. The more I researched the more I realized that WLS was going to be THE only thing to save my life, sanity and sense of self worth!

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

Hmmmm. So far, I am just in the beginning stages. We are in the military and use Tricare and the Military Hospital System. It has taken like 10 years to FINALLY find a Military PCP WILLING to take a stand and GRANT me a referral to see a civilian bariatric surgeon! I feel like this is finally my "Golden Key" and I pray and hope for final approval for my surgery date!

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

Dr. Follwell was great! I met him first at the seminar I went too. He didn't sugar coat anything and told all the pros and cons of the surgery. A very capable surgeon whom I trust completely!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

See question #2 above.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew I needed the restrictive procedure of the RNY and it sounded the best for the kind of lifestyle I had.

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 already dying from being Obese. Sad but true. this surgery was basically the last straw and stop before going to my own funeral. I went into the surgery well informed, (Did tons of research on my own, through sites like this one) and classes with my doctor and nutritionist. On the day of my surgery I was at total peace and ready to "get on with it" so I could begin my new healthier life!

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?

They were understandably a bit nervous and worried. This is major surgery and not to be undertaken lightly. But everyone has been really supportive of me.

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

N/A

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

It was a good seminar. The doctor was very honest about the pros and cons of the two weight loss surgeries they offered. (Banding and RNY).

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

The stay was really good. I was in a COE Bariatric Center. (St. Alexis in St. Louis). I stayed 2 days and 1 night. After the barium swallow test and the "blue' test and since I could hold down fluids Dr. Follwell said if I wanted to go home I could. I was pretty "out" of it and didn't want anything but to sleep. The pain was pretty bad (and I have had prior surgeries). Part of it I think is because I was sensitive to Morphine, if a different pain med would have been used it might have went better. I recommend people bring nothing but maybe some lip balm and/or lotion.

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

Nope, except for some really strong pain the first day, I didn't have any complications at all/

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 didn't have any anxiety, mostly pain (normal) and weakness as my body healed. Once I added protein drinks and electrolytes I really began healing rapidly and feeling better!

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

It is a major surgery, and I think too many people expect they will just be able to "feel normal" after a week or two. Physically, (and especially if you are older) it is going to take a good solid month or two to really feel good! Expect to have pain, weakness some frustration as you get used to a new way of eating. It is all normal!

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

I traveled around 10 miles to St. Louis MO.

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 few weeks, things just tasted "off" mainly from the anesthesia I think. I was on clear liquids and full liquids for the first two weeks, so didn't have any problems with nausea or pain from eating or drinking... It did take me about a good two weeks to be able to drink well and drink my full fluids. Many folks complain of having pouch problems or dumping, but I have never dumped and can eat pretty much anything including dense protein and fibers (raw veggies). I am one of the "odd" ones and have never had any problems eating things after my RNY, but I measure everything carefully and stay away from to much sugar or high carbs.

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

I tried to make sure I walked constantly. It took about a good 4 weeks before I really felt comfortable exercising at the gym and walking about a mile a day.

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

Multivitamin (without Iron) 2 times a day. Iron (29 mg) 1 times a day. Injectable B12 2 times a month Calcium Citrate (1200-1500 mg daily) Vitamin b-1 (100 mg) 3 times a week.

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?

It took me a good two weeks to be able to sleep comfortably (since I am a side sleeper) but I have never had vomiting, no dumping, no nausea and no hair loss. I also eat a lot of protein as well and try and exercise a lot, (weight lifting especially and cardio)

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

The immediate pain (the first 3-6 days post op) and then the SLOW progression to pureed foods. Once I could drink full liquids and protein I stopped feeling weak and painful (since my body had something to heal itself with). I think surgeons need to make a more "regulated" program.

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

Besides my surgeons office doing their check ups, and nutritional info, I have gotten support from here (Obesity Help) and Renewed Reflections. I think patient to patient reviews are very important. Where I live there is really no "live support" but I do see a therapist to help me deal with my changing body. I think it is VITAL that all WLS people have some program/support group/therapist/mentor who helps them through the first few months of vitamins, eating and what is "normal".

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

They are almost completely gone after 3 months. I had laproscopic and things healed well. My Surgeon Dr. Follwell is a genius with a scalpel! The healed faster than expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau around 3 weeks post op that lasted around 3 weeks and I am experiencing another plateau now around 3 months out that so far has lasted around 2 weeks. I often lose in "dribs and drabs" about 2-3 lbs a week when I am not stalled. I understand these stalls are normal and don't worry about it. At 3 months out I have lost 55 lbs and my surgeon is quite pleased with me!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I get more compliments from people I know, but I haven't noticed any difference in how "strangers" treat me.