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

I first found out about bariatric surgery at a seminar. They were discussing lap band procedure which totally turned me off. I didn't want that. Then I later heard about other procedures and knew that an RNY was for me.

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 was a very pleasant one. I was very fortunate, and he described to me WHY I was obese, how this happens, and why this surgery is so successful. It's good to have many resources that include your surgeon so that you know a lot prior to your visit, yet ask many questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally wanted to have this surgery because I was so incredibly uncomfortable and couldn't breath. My anxiety worstened, my asthma was becoming worse, and my blood pressure was sky high. I also was very unattractive and I like to look nice. I feel I am an attractive person and by having excess weight would not only cut my life short it distorted my looks.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't want to go outside of my doctor/hospital circle, and my surgeon only performed open RNY so that's what I went with. Because I was extremely overweight, my surgeon performed a distal which means removal of the upper small intestine, for malabsorbtion.

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?

The only fear I really did have was of blood clots, but I received many injections of a blood thinner before and after surgery so my thoughts changed on that. My greatest concern was directly after surgery and how I would feel, was there going to be a lot of pain?

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 and friends (some whom had this surgery already) was so supportive before during and after that I was quite surprised. There was only 1 negative person, and that was person was massively obese and I think that she was in big denial about her size and too afraid to do anything about it. I hope that I also become a great example for others. I want to help others.

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

My hospital stay was for 3 days! There is absolutely nothing you can pack or bring to the hospital that they do not already provide. You will not need a book or magazine, you will need rest and support. Once you are able to get up and walk-and you will-the rest is history. Well, I guess you'll need clothes to go home in.

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

Not one problem.

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

Well-quite frankly, I was afraid to eat. I was afraid that I was going to hurt my insides. I could only drink small portions at a time, but I knew from researching this that I had to drink frequently. Protein intake and fluids are important, and that's what I kept up with. I also did NOT lay around. I was up and about. If you lie around and feel sorry for yourself, you focus more on your condition. GET UP and do something!

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

Well, the first week I could not put on my own socks or shoes, nor pull myself up. I slept propped up on pillows. I had asthma, so I was so afraid that I was going to have to cough-and I did, but it was okay. I would put a pillow on my tummy and squeeze a little, then cough. It didn't hurt and I was relieved. I was a little sore for awhile from the surgery itself, but every day I was better. Like I said, get on your feet!

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

It was a local hospital, travel time was 20 minutes.

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 I could eat: Non sugar/non dairy protein shakes in yummy chocolate (I'd blend it up with 1/2 banana, ice cubes, water and the shake), it tasted like a very rich chocolate shake and would take a long time to drink because it was 8 ounces, but I got every drop down in about 2 hours. Afterwards, I drink 8 oz water-which also took a long time. Directly after this I would eat tiny portions of baby food (yuck), my own pureed foods-sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, jello, sugar free-fat free ice cream, slices of American cheese which I'd take tiny little bits of. NO diet sodas. I made sure I eat at least every 2-3 hours and drink in between. It was so difficult at first because I was afraid and I just couldn't put anything in mouth-it was awful, but I knew I had to get nourishment for my body or I would be in trouble. I heard of hair loss and dry skin, and I never had these problems because I got enough protein and fluids.

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

Prior to the surgery, I couldn't walk to the sidewalk which is about 40 feet. One month after surgery I could walk to the sidewalk without gasping for air. I did this for exercise. Every day I walked it and this became easier for me. I noticed my house was cleaner because I was able to do more. Then my attitude started to change because I had energy. It felt good.

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

A multivitamin for active and/or older women. It contains more calcium and greater amounts of vitamins, minerals. 1500 mg calcium (500 @ 3x daily), iron tab, B12. Then 9 months after surgery I started taking flax seed oil capsules for the Omegas to help improve my immunity (I have an auto-immune disease). 1 week and during menses, I take iron. Every morning-WITHOUT FAIL I drink Pro-Score 100 chocolate protein powder supplement: mix together 2 scoops, 5 ice cubes, 1 small banana, 8 oz water, blend, pour into tall glass and use a straw. It is delicious. That's it!

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 only vomiting that occurred was due from my food addictions and stubborness. You cannot eat like you did prior to the surgery. Remember this----the surgery only changes you physically. YOU MUST get help for your food addictions-THESE NEVER EVER EVER GO AWAY. Stay away from ice cream stands, and ALL FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS. These are poison!

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

Having a severe nausea reaction to the morphine, which was no problem after I realized this and asked my surgeon to change me to demoral, which occurred immediately. Other than that......sorry----there was NO WORSE PART of this process.

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

I attended many WLS sessions at Cleveland MetroHealth. There is a LOT of support there and people with interests. Once I attended a session and my surgeon was the speaker! I was so excited that after the session and I went up and hugged him. No thank you could ever be enough. And now this support is available online-which is easier for me. Other support is the Internet itself, people all over the world have done this.

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

I have a small scar. Dr. Gagliardi was very pleased with his cut. He said it was smaller than most people. The scar is visible, but not extremely noticeable.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Ahhh...the plateaus....yes, they came frequent, right after you lost a good amount of weight...BOOM, no weight loss, well...what was up with that? I actually learned (and felt) during this process that my body was shrinking. I'd lose a size during this time. It was wonderful. It felt better than the weight loss. I'd put on a pair of jeans and they were too big-and it is still happening!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I was so used to being treated like a fat person that it took forever to notice people treating me differently. People are less afraid to talk to me. Ever notice an extremely large person? Most people will not talk to them, possibly out of fear? I don't know why, but I felt that when I was larger. People talk to me now. I'm still absorbing this.