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

My girlfriend had surgery done several years ago. I didn't think she was that fat, -hell i've never thought of myself being fat!!- but she shrunk before my eyes. She has kept it off these years and enjoys a very active life.

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

Insurance approval for the surgery was relatively quite easy with the current company, at the current time. It may not be so in the future. I had the BMI of 60 which was medical necessity hands down. Hypertension (which only surfaced in my life in the past year) and bad knees were my only co-morbidities. Be persistent and don't take no for an answer.

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

I worked through a weight loss progam at Montefiore Hospital to start off with. My first visit included a nutrition consultation, and a description of the diet I was to follow afterwards along with a once-over by the surgeon. He briefly described the operation and my overall impression of him was very good. I had done my homework before on the procedure, and had come here to get other opinions on his work. Be prepared with a list of questions, including how long a wait for actual surgery. They can be very cagey with this information.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Nothing else has worked for me. Dieting, exercise, etc. I keep backsliding. I needed a tool to restrict what I could eat, and a chance to be able to make better food choices. I don't think regimented exercise program will ever be in my lifestyle, but I do want to go to Disney and walk around without getting tired every 30 feet.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I originally had wanted to try the lap band procedure, as I felt it would be less invasive and get me back to work sooner. Being able to get to work and support the household is a major priority in my life. I am a very independent person and want to be able to support myself. I changed my decision and went with the RNY, though, not knowing how long I actually would have to take time off to recover. It seemed to be the better choice through my research for a permanent solution.

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?

Major surgery can always cause death. I felt I had the odds with me as other than being overweight I have led very healthy life. I haven't been in a hospital (except visiting others) since I had a growth removed from my arm at age 3 mos. No broken bones ever either. My only other surgery was for impacted wisdom teeth. I have a very positive attitude on life and felt that what will be will be. The thought of dying doesn't really scare me. I have led a good life up till this point and don't have many regrets. I am not a religious person to say the least, but I do believe in the power of prayer. I really think a lot of it is attitude.

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?

Family and friends have been extremely supportive. They all have given me the 'you go girl' and have been very postitive. They have been very supportive this soon after surgery also, with cards, flowers, emails and phone calls. I set up and email list for my husband to give them updates on my progress in the hospital. This worked extremely well.

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

My employer was supportive also. I told him I was going in for a gastric bypass operation. I have been very honest with him as we have a good rapport. The most difficult part was not being able to give a lot of notice of my actual surgical date, and an estimate of how long I will be out. I had no idea how my body would react to major surgery, or how long I would need to heal. I was out of work for two full weeks. The second week after surgery I sat at home on the computer. I figured as long as I could sit at home, I could just as well sit at work. (I am a computer programmer) Besides which, I wouldn't be tempted to do housework and possibly injure myself. I was okayed to drive the second week as I had no need for the pain killers afterwards.

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

My husband drove me in to Beth Israel. I had to be at the admitting office at 11:30 AM. It was fairly easy process there. I was required to pay my deductible and out of pocket up front. I had been warned ahead of time that this would happen. We waited in admitting for a while and then I was called to go up to a holding area. Vitals were taken. I found I had lost 5 lbs since my September visit. I had been so careful not to overeat in the final weeks. 'The Last Supper' syndrome was avoided! In the holding room, I got changed into two hospital gowns and waited till they called for me. I took my contacts out at this point and put on glasses. I had brought some crafts with me and made the nurses there 'good luck origami cranes'. All in all, I was pretty calm before my major surgery. Finally they came with a gurney to take me to pre-op. My husband followed along with my 'bag o stuff'. Once in pre-op, the anesthesiologist came, the vascular surgeon and his assistant came to describe the filter placement and possible retrieval afterwards. The anesthesiologist then put a line in for meds and such. I remember getting into the operating room and scooting over on to the table, and then nothing till i woke up in ICU. This was a good thing! My husband joined me after a few, and i was glad to see him. I was in ICU on Tuesday till 8pm when the found a room for me. It wound up being a private room!! I was there until discharge. I was there from 11:30am Monday morning to discharge at Thursday morning at 11am. I had brought 2 nighties, but didn't need them till Thursday, when the finally unhooked me from all the line tethers. Just bring some sort of robe for the last day. I did not get a TV but if you do, you probably will use that for amusement. I had brought my crocheting, but couldn't do it till Thursday, so it wasn't worth it to bring. I did manage to make cranes for both the ICU staff and the regular room staff. They supplied clean up stuff including deodarant and mouthwash.

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

None so far. Don't have my staples out yet!! Staples were removed two weeks out. I managed to pop a few. The doc was not overly concerned about it. I did have a slight redness about the wound and antibiotics were prescribed, taken and infection avoided. What they failed to mention, was that you might have some oozing from the wound. As long as it is clear looking, it is okay. This is liquid fat. Keep some large gauze squares, or in a pinch absorbant paper towels to put on. This does wash out of clothes. At a year out, I have not experienced any complications.

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

Once I got my surgery date, I was ecstatic! The long wait was finally going to be over. I finally could make solid plans for work and social events. It was like a calm came over me. I really didn't feel bad at all, just relief. I was determined not to overeat and gain any weight.

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

Week One: I have made quite a remarkable recovery so far with only a slight soreness left after my first week. I came home on Thursday morning after having surgery Monday afternoon at 2PM. I couldn't wait to get out!! I felt so good I probably could have driven myself home, but was escorted home by my husband. (Who hit every pothole in Manhattan.. Bloomberg do I have a big complaint!!) They truly have named this surgery correctly. GAAAAStric bypass.. Lots of gassiness and burping. Keep those tums with calcium handy!! Also breath mints.. Weeks afterwards. Liquids for the first week home. I went to see the doctor on the Wednesday after I got home and he started me on purees and soft foods for two weeks. He did not take the staples out at this time. I had to make an appointment for the next week for this. I made chicken with carrot, and chicken with spinach when I got home. I packed them in 4 oz containers easily available. It tasted really good! I felt really good.. When he said I could go on regular food, I started testing what I could and couldn't eat. Be prepared for surprises. Something you can stomach one day, won't sit well with you the next. Be prepared to throw out food also. This is something I never thought I would do. Don't try to force down food just because it is there. Everyone will be different as far as what they can eat.

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

My surgeon is in Manhattan and I am in Newburgh. That is about a 70 mile distance. I can take a train down into Grand Central Station and can take either a cab or the subway to his office easily.

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.

First week- Water, shakes, liquids. Fat free chicken soup does not make a meal!! Slim fast vanilla is horrible. Double chocolate is much better. Atkins chocolate and strawberry were good. Water is great!! Next two weeks-Purees, chicken/carrot, chicken/spinach. Applesauce for snack. One egg scrambled/cheese. Forget about mashed potatoes, no nutrition in that. Egg drop soup, oatmeal. Some things sit well and others do not. I had a hamburger one day and several days later, i couldn't tolerate it and threw it up. CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. Don't try to rush a meal, if you do your stomach will just revolt! Stick to moister foods. Dry foods do not seem to taste as good. Soups are wonderful! I was surprised at how little it took to fill up. I am rarely hungry these days. I eat because it is the right thing to do. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I never thought food would lose its control over my life. I could actually skip a meal and not notice it, but I know my body needs nutrition.

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

Activity level is good. Lots of walking (shopping). I went back to work after two weeks. I have a sedentary job and as soon as I was cleared to drive, it was a piece of cake to drive over to the train station, or down to Newark and sit for the day at the computer. People were surprised and happy to see me back! My knees are feeling much better these days. They still get stiff from the arthritis, but not as much pain when I walk. I plan to go back to Curves (a ladies gym) at the end of April for a better workout.

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

Flintstones chewables, iron and calcium supplement. I am now on regular vitamins. softgel versions. a multivitamin, glucosamin chondroitin for my knees, extra C, E, B12, calcium, and iron.

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 have not experienced any dumping as of yet. Only some vomiting when I forget to slow down while eating. I still feel full afterwards. If a certain food does not sit well in my stomach, I'll vomit, but I'm not hungry afterwards. I just drink more liquids. It has been a problem finding something that I really like to drink. I used to love drinking water, but it just doesn't taste the same to me. I'm gonna try flavored decaf iced tea. Maybe that will do it. I will let you know. I finally found something I like to drink.. Glaceau smart water. It does not have any sucralose in it. It has a light flavor. Hallelujah.

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

Waiting with a parched throat for my leak test. It was supposed to be done early the next morning, but got delayed till the late afternoon. The swabs they give you were just not enough to do it. My mom called me while I was still in ICU waiting to go, and I got so depressed (she lives down in Florida and couldn't be here). I started to cry, thus stuffing my nose up substantially (along with the nasal tube and oxygen tubes) and causing me to be forced to breathe through my already raspy throat. A nurse did help me blow my nose (which was very uncomfortable doing due to being sore) and I felt much better. I was fine after i had the test, got my nasal tube removed, and was able to take my first sip of water!!

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

So far, I have not been to a support group. I did go to the two I needed to attend before surgery. I got too depressed attending them as I had no idea when my surgery would be happening. Its nice to know that it is there if I do need it. Maybe some day I'll go, but for now, I'm doing well on my own. I do belong to a Yahoo group, but for the most part my support group has been my friends and family. I do have a neighbor who had surgery a couple of years ago. He is an older gentleman, who has a TON of energy. My hat goes off to him. I recently met a woman at a dinner party who had the surgery done last year and is doing well. I can't wait to lose some more weight that will really show a difference. I'm a patient woman. It will come. I never was a person to join a large group. I never wanted to try Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous.. Sorry guys.. for some people you might be doing good, but for me, not.. At a year out, I still do not belong to any support groups. Still don't feel the need for them for myself. I do have a co-worker who also had surgery a while ago. We sometimes compare notes.

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

My scar at this point has healed quite well. I am a little over a month out. I still have dots surrounding it from where the staples were in. I really was not overly concerned at how it would look. I am by far not a vain person. I do not have any designs of being a bikini model so it doesn't bother me a bit to have it there. It is a reminder, however, of the courageous thing I have done to save my quality of life.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

As of May 5th I have been losing steadily. I hit the 50 lb loss on May 3. It has been a little slower loss than I had thought, but as long as I am losing, it is a good thing. I have not been exercising, so that may be a factor in the slower weight loss. At my 6 month anniversary I have hit the 90 lb mark. I could never have done this without surgery. I am at my one year anniversary and have lost 120 lbs. I am definitely at a plateau, but I don't care. Anything else lost is gravy as far as I am concerned. Surgery for me has been a success. I can do what I want to do now. I hit a semi-plateau just before menstruation each month. I don't stress about it. I always would gain about 5 lbs water weight and then lose it after. In September of 2005 I am 135 lbs less than I was when i started this journey. I have now plateaued for a couple of weeks. Not bad in my eyes.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone has been supportive of me and my decision to have surgery. I was being teased the other day of being a cranky pants! I was a cranky pants BEFORE surgery!! They said I was being more assertive. I really haven't noticed any difference though. I have earned my middle name of _itch long before surgery. People can notice me 'melting' before their eyes. Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging.