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

In the early 1980's, I ran across a lady who had her stomach stapled. She said she always was sick and would never do it again. But, it put the "bee in my bonnet". I was envious of her weight loss. Fast forward to 2001. I had experienced several surgeries with my general surgeon, Dr. Charles Garner. I discovered that he did bariatric surgery. I researched it and was very interested in having it done. His office submitted my paperwork, I was approved, and it is the best decision of my life.

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

I pretty much knew going into the surgery that my Blue Cross/Blue Shield wouldn't cover the surgery. They have an exclusion for weight loss surgery. My only hope was getting it approved through Champus. I was denied on my first try. However, thanks to the help of the administrator in my doctor's office, I was approved on my first appeal. My advice to anyone trying to get insurance approval: 1. RESEARCH!! Find out if your insurance covers weight loss surgery. If it does, then read up about what the criteria are to be accepted for the surgery. I prepared my own letter to be submitted to the insurance company. I passed it on to the administrator of my surgeon's office for his approval. 2. PATIENCE: Remember, you aren't the only one trying for this surgery. Work with the surgeon's office, not against them. If possible, set up a meeting with the administrator who does the paperwork. Ask them if there is anything additional that they may need. Try to make their job easier put doing whatever you can to streamline the process. Don't constantly call their office to see if you are approved. They will notify you as soon as they get the answer. Constant phone calls keeps the administrator from doing his/her job.

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

Very informative. I completely trusted the surgeon, because I had already had four prior surgeries done by him. To get the most out of the meeting, come prepared with questions. That is where your research comes in.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wasn't healing properly from an open wound procedure that I had to have done. The doctor said it wasn't healing correctly because I was "morbidly obese". No one had ever had the courage to tell me that before. It was always "recommended" that I lose some weight, but to be told I was morbidly obese was a shocker. I resolved at that time to research the surgery and try for approval. Best choice I ever made.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't have a choice. I went to the surgeon I knew and trusted and accepted the procedure that he did--an open RNY.

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 scared enough that I did a living will and made sure my husband knew about it. Although I had had six other surgeries in less than a year, this was my first "elective" surgery. I knew I could possibly die on the table or from complications, but I was willing to take that risk. Besides, I had all my faith in my surgeon. To everyone with the same fears, make sure you research everything before you decide if you want the surgery. Don't let anyone decide for you if this surgery is for you. It is your own personal choice.

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 son and husband were the only ones that knew about my surgery. I chose not to tell my family because I don't know how they would react. It is now almost a year post op and I just recently let my husband's family know after they saw my weight loss. My sisters won't know until this summer. My husband and son were VERY SUPPORTIVE before and after the surgery. They made it possible for me to have this surgery and to recover quickly from it.

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

My boss was very supportive of the decision to have the surgery. He was scared of possible complications, as is everyone. Now with all my weight loss, he agrees wholeheartedly with me that it was a wise decision for me. I was out of work for 21 days. I could have come back earlier, but my husband and boss didn't want me to return early. They felt I should recover at home as long as possible.

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

I didn't really have any problems with my hospital stay. It is the SEVENTH time I was at the same hospital in the past two years. The staff is excellent and very caring. I couldn't move on my own for the first few days, so nurses and aids would come and pull me up in the bed. My most humbling experience was when I got a bed bath. Never in my life have I had to have this down. However, the nurses and aids were BEYOND WONDERFUL!! They were so caring and nurturing during the experience. We just talked our way through the whole thing. Same with the lady that came the next day and washed my hair. These women were my angels at the hospital. My surgery was early morning on a Thursday and I was released on Monday morning. I could have gone home on Sunday, but with a household of all males to include the cat....... Most women know where I am coming from on this comment! Most important things to bring: a good attitude, some moist wipes, and plenty of reading material.

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

Thank goodnesss, none at all. It was all my prior complications from other surgeries that led me to having this 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?

Each day truly got better for me. I spent four nights in the hospital. Once I got home, I took it easy, but got up and got moving as soon as possible. I listened to my body. For once, when I was tired, I laid down for a nap. I was back to work in three weeks, and I think that helped me even more.

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

You should expect to feel tired, quite easily. Listen to your body. Don't be surprised if you sleep most of the first week away. Don't force foods. My doctor said to eat when hungry for those first weeks. That is what I did. I ate, but ate sensibly. Not that you will be hungry for much.

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

My surgeon and his hospital was about a 45 drive for me. I was glad to get home after the surgery and just go to bed.

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.

In the first few weeks, I could eat anything soft. I lived on banana popsicles for awhile. My surgeon is that type that doesn't believe in protein drinks. He wants you get to get the protein naturally. He also believes in 1)liquids while in hospital, 2)soft foods when you go home until your first follow up visit, 3)whatever you can tolerate after that. I initially struggled with chicken and any heavy meat. Over time, that has gotten alot better; however, pasta still sits really heavy with me. I found with sweets, I don't dump on cookies, but I do dump on ice cream, milk, pies, and cakes.

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

Each day truly got better for me. Two days after surgery, I was walking the halls on my own without physical therapy people. Once I got home, I tried to walk around the house as much as possible. I returned to work after three weeks and have never looked back. I have not had any problems with energy or lack of. I have been very lucky.

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

I take two childrens chewable vitamins each day and also two calcium chews.

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 had hair loss a few months out. I took two Biotin 300 tablets each day for a few months. My hair came back ALOT and curly--like I had a perm. My hair before was always straight.

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

Waking up after the surgery, not realizing it would be as painful as it was. My first words to my husband was that I thought I made a mistake by having the surgery. The pain was tremendous! But, would I do it again know about the pain level--YES!! I just wasn't expecting the magnitude of the pain. But, the surgeon said that each day would get better and it truly did. I went from not being able to move to walking by myself in 48 hours.

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

I don't go to any support groups because there are none in the local area that fit my work schedule. Instead, I rely heavily on the Yahoo Groups for input and support. I am members of quite a few, but the most important and informational are the: Graduate OSSG (for post-ops a year or more out, but you can lurk before the year) and Off-Track OSSG. Both offer a wealth of information and both let you know you are not alone in your daily struggle to main your weight or to lose those extra few pounds.

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

I had the open procedure. I am quite pleased and very proud of my scar as it shows the world where I have been. It has actually lightened with time, so it doesn't bother me.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had quite a few plateaus. It seems like I am what I call myself a "chunk loser". I won't lose any pounds for a few months and then suddenly around 5 lbs or so just seems to disappear. I get all excited with the sudden lose, but then realize that it will be another few months before I see the lose again. I have come to grips with the way my body is losing. I am a little over two years out, and still am slowly losing weight. Very slowly. I just keep plugging along, still hoping to make it to half my original body weight, and then I would like to settle in the 120's range, if at all possible. I am very fearful of weight regain, so I want that extra cushion--just in case.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I was never really treated badly before because of my weight. I was fortunate enough that my weight never kept me from getting and keeping the jobs I wanted. Ocassionally, when I am by myself, I find that more men will say hi to me that may not have looked at me before. But, I am very happily married for over 25 years, so I am not interested in the least. But, it is funny to know that I am being noticed.