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

I've considered it for years. I am Diabetic and knew that I had to make some drastic changes to save my life. But although I had several comorbities My Insurance would not pay for WLS, When My Dibetes became out of control my husband and I made it happen.

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

I could not get approval . I had several comorbities, Type 2 Diabetes that meds no longer controllled, hypertension, Sleep Apnea, High trig & Col. And I work for the Medical system.

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

It was great I was nervous but had studied the lap band and had plans to have it. But it all changed My Surgeon was a great teacher and I Decided to have a YNR after being educated on the procedure. The Only unfortunate part was that I had to have an open procedure due to funds.Because My insurace would not cover any Weight Loss procedure.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was getting worse as the days went by and had to go from PO medication to Injections twice a day. My Kidney funtions were worsening and My Blood pressure was out the roof. And I knew I couln't loose weight on my own or fast enough to help with these health problems.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The percentage of curing type 2 Diabetes was Much Higher with the Y N R. So I decided to have the Y-N-Roux after great consideration and research.

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 Dying at a fast rate as it was! But I would be Lying if I said I didn't have concerns. I knew as a RN that there is always a risk with surgery ,but having My Guts cut on scared me!!! I was afraid they wouldn't work right after the surgery. But after years of trying to loose weight and battling with the insurance company. Then God made the funds avilable and brought me to a Awesome Surgeon , I knew without doubt that he would get me through this as well. You see I prayed for God to cure My Diabetes, And he did through the hands of a great Surgeon!!!!

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 Family was great support through the whole procedure beginning to end. My Friend have been very supportive as well.

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

They were supportive , They understood that My MD and surgeon were recomending that I have this surgery to save my life and increase my quality of life. I had to be off work for 4 weeks

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

Well I had attended one a few years back with another surgeon and I walked away unimpressed. But when I went to Dr Bakers Seminar it was so inforative, he had vidios of surgery talked about the support group and had very strict guidelines to follow. I knew it was right from that moment on.

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

My Stay was a bit Longer due to the Open Surgery. I was there 4 days, Most important things to bring are : chap stick, shoes tha are non slip for walking off the sorness, loose comfortable jammies and your favorite pillow.

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

No, I had a short period of low BP in post op, and an IV infiltration after I was on the floor but all else went smooth and just as Dr Baker had said it would go, We Also had a support group meeting before surgery that gave all the ins and outs of the stay and written material to study and follow before and after surgery.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

The first two weeks with sutures in my chest, and weakness from decreased cal. intake was painful and rough, but no worse than any other OPEN surgery, Week two I had my first eating PAIN. I ate part of an eggs,(Eggs are very heavy) the pain caused weakness ,sweating, heart palpatations and made me feel like I was going to faint. But it too passed and a lesson was learned.The anxiety was high at that point but My Hsband was a great support and he stayed by my side until the pain passed which was just a few minutes. It just felt like hours.

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

Take it slow, follow all the rule your Surgeon ad his team lay out for you. If you are talking to a Surgeon that dose not have a strict plan for you, FIND ANOTHER ONE. We had to buy baby spoons and small measuring cups to control portion size and to eat slower with smaller bites. Walk everyday it makes a huge diffrence in how quickly you recover!

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

30 miles,

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.

Things to eat the first 2 weeks post op were mushy in consistancy. ie: soups, liquids, SF pudding made with skim milk. greek yogart. 1-2 table spoons per meal. Week 3 and 4 added refried beans mixed with salsa, and continues with the cream of chicken soup , puree everything, protein shakes with fruit. Scrambled EGGs off limits untill 3 months, No Gum , Sweets, Soda, Drinking with a straw ( causes gas) Every week has gotten better, now at week 7 I have shaved meats, ground meats, Wheat toast with cream cheese.Even pulled pork today. You know when you wat somthing that is to heavy or has to much fat. You become so overful and have pain instead of streatching out like after a big thanksgiving meal, you have to walk it off and hope you don't vomit!

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

first two weeks self care only, week 3&4 light house work and self care, became very tired easily. week 5 start gain streangth back and week 6 better full work schedule, week 7 I feel fairly normal, still have a bit less stamina than before the surgery but much light on my feet, Walking getting much easier. finshed a 5K at week 7. This is from the Stand point of an OPEN surgical procedure.

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

Multipal chewable vitamins twice a day, ordered from and online company, Calcium+D daily, Vit. D weekly, Vit B-12 monthly.

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?

The Nausea was over by the time I left the Hospital. I only Vomited once and that was from eating too much because I ate too fast. No Other side effects, I follow the rules to the letter and feel like the strict rules that My surgeon required that we follow helpped to decrease the side effects. I coped by not repeating what ever caused the problem.

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

The recovery from the OPEN Surgery, Very painful, unable to get out of bed or out of a chair without assistance due to the pain.

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

WE ave a support group that meets once a month, It is very helpful too hear the story from other people that have been through this surgery. They are very open and sharing and willing to help you through what ever problems or questions that arise.

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

My scar starts a my Bra line and extends about 6-7 inches. Being a NUrse I knew what to expect, The Nurse in the OFC and my Surgeon described it well.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at my first plateau at 7 weeks, I only lost 1 lb this week ,I know it is time to up the intensity of exercise, one of the more difficult things for me since I don't enjoy exercise.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have had several people say you are so lucky to get to just have surgey and never have to worry about being fat agian. I am very out spoken and explain that the surgey is just a tool, that the life style chane is very difficult and takes hard work and persistance.