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

One of the women I worked with was very excited about getting it done. She said that she had to do a lot of tests and I was really happy for her. She said that I could have her clothes after she lost all of the weight. We both had the same insurance, but BCBS dropped the surgery coverage in January of the next year when I wanted to have it done. Anyway, my friend died from complications of the surgery. I have never forgotten how happy she was about getting it done and how sad I felt about losing her as a friend. I, also, had a teacher friend of mine go through the surgery. She could barely walk. She didn't care if she lived or died so the surgery risks didn't concern her. As far as I know, she is still doing great.

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

I was very frustrated with the insurance company. I was going to all of the required meetings and had all of my testing done and still no approval. I found out that there was a major mixup with the insurance company saying that my surgeon was no longer part of the network and the surgeon saying that he was. I finally got my approval letter through a lot of phone calls and persistance. As soon as the first date became available, I took it.

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

I first met Dr. Tom on September 28, 2006. I went in looking for the surgery. I didn't really care at this meeting what his credentials were or any of the stats. All I wanted to hear was that I qualified. Later on, I listened to everything he had to say and was put at ease.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had wanted the surgery for over 6 years. Even when the only type performed was the full incision. I am very thankful that I waited until the laporscopic came along. I believe that I have healed much faster and feel much better that others I have met.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted one with as many restrictions as possible. I have heard that people can stretch their pouch and overeat and I wanted the procedure which reduced this the most. I have heard some individuals that they can now eat candy or sweets. Well, my doctor told me to stay away from them or they can cause dumping. I have never experienced that, so why would I want to start. It keeps me from eating sweets and drinking soda. After all, why do I need these things. They helped me to get this point in the beginning. I wanted to ensure that I would maximize my weight loss with the laporscopic method.

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 didn't have any fears about dying or complications. I had done what the doctor and nutritionists had requested of me prior to the surgery (eating food in smaller portions away from the TV with a baby spoon (I like the Gerber rubber ones), chewing at least 25 times or until the food is at a smooth or water consistancy prior to swallowing). All of these things helped me realize what I was in for and that I was emotionally and physically (I was walking 4 miles a day) ready for the procedure. Also, my husband and family was at ease with everything. The movie about the procedure and the question and answer period really put him at ease.

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 husband at first was very scared. Until he met Dr. Tom and went to the classes and sat through the video. I have told my mom (she has MS and is extremely obese). She was very glad that I was doing this but we have always dieted together. I am not sure at her age, 66, and her health and inability to move would hinder her weight loss. I want to bring her to KY to have the surgery but I am not sure if it is in her best interest. I can hear the pain in her voice and when I see her, it hurts me very much to lose this weight and know that she is still gaining.

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

I never told my supervisor. I did tell a couple of my employees that I was trying to get it done and then let them know the date. My supervisor has made my life a living hell at work and the added stress from all of this would have hindered my progress. I have stayed out of work and used my sick leave for 2 months. I enjoy being healthier than I have been in a long time. I am working at getting stronger every day.

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

I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights. I had the choice of 2 or 3 due to my 100 mile drive home. I chose 3. The first 2 nights were great. The third was the night from hell. The nurse I had refused to dilute my pain medication and flushed it instead with a saline solution. This made my hand and arm burn for over an hour. I was in agony. She told me that she never dilutes any medication. I reported her to Dr. Tom when he discharged me in the morning. The hospital gave me non-slip stockings, shampoo, toothpaste and soap. The only items I would suggest bringing are: a clean pair of underpants, clean socks, and deodorant and most important, Chapstick. Your lips get very dry. I wore a loose fitting buttonup front shirt under a buttonup front demin long jumper and sneakers. No bra. If you wear these items to the hosptial, all you have to do is put them away until you need them again. The use of double gowns to walk the halls is great so no need for a bathrobe.

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

I had no complications from the surgery. I knew that there were 6 small incisions. However, I didn't realize that one of them was in my belly button until I put on a pair of jeans and found it. That was painful.

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 got the call that I was approved on 12/5/06. My surgery was scheduled for 12/13/06. I was already suffering from a great deal of stress from harrassment and discrimination from my supervisors at work, so I sought out a councilor and my primary care physician for assistance.

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

The first day home from the hospital and for several days after, I would ask my husband to declare it "take your wife for a walk day". He did this without any grumbling. I found a used Gazelle glider on the internet and picked it up. This way, I could continue to walk my 4 miles a day without any stress on my incisions or my knees. I found that eating a liquid diet is not very easy but I always had trouble and still do have trouble drinking water. It makes me gag. I have switched to drinking diet green tea. This helps me get in my fluids and the funny thing is, prior to surgery I hated the taste but now I think it tastes really sweet and I really enjoy it. Especially cold.

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

I had to travel almost 100 miles each way. We stayed overnight in a nearby hotel the night before the surgery so that I would not be frustrated and upset over the traffic and long drive. My after care has suffered somewhat by me not being able to attend the monthly support groups. I try to schedule my doctor visits late in the day to be able to attend these groups but they don't always work out that way.

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.

I had always had a sensitivity to ice cream so I marked myself as being lactose intorerant. This meant eating soy based products instead of milk. I found that adjusting to these prior to surgery helped afterwards. I knew what everything tasted like and it wasn't a complete shock to my system. I, also, found that the soy protein powder (Gen Soy) has 25 grams of protein per scoop which is extremely high. This made it possible to get in my 55 grams of protein everyday without any problems. At first, I missed eating oysters. Now almost 3 months later, I don't like the taste of them like I used too. I would eat them at least 3 times a day prior to surgery. I have found that even though they suggested that you eat 6 small meals a day in the beginning, I would feel ill if I ate like that. I eat three meals and I feel fine. More than that, my stomach hurts. I have found that I still eat only about 6 oz. at each meal. I have not incorporated that much back into my diet so I am not sure what agrees with me and what doesn't. I do enjoy eating diet V8 splash (berry blend) popsicles. This is a refreshing treat and I haven't cheated or strayed from my program. One major change for me was not eating and drinking at the same time. Now I wait 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after my meals to drink anything.

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

Prior to surgery I was walking 4 miles a day per my doctors' instructions. Now, 2 1/2 months later, I have joined a 19-week marathon program and I walk an average of 6 miles every other day and do aerobics (need to tighten up the stomach) on the other days. I have found that my bulging disc, which I thought the weight loss would help, has become worse. I was told that it is due to the increased level of activity. I will have to wait and see how this is affected.

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

I took a Centrum Silver chewable after surgery until I could swallow things. After that, I now take, vitamins: E, Folic Acid, AHCC, papaya, Fiber and B Complex. I want to stay healthy and I know that I don't get everything I need everyday, so I also drink a 6 oz. glass of low sodium V8 juice.

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 already had my hair falling out prior to surgery. I have not noticed any difference since. My hands and feet were cold prior to surgery and they still are. I have not had any other ill effects from the surgery. I want to keep it that way. I think this is what keeps me from overeating or eating the wrong things.

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

The Friday night from hell with the nurse at the hospital. Everything else has been excellent. I wouldn't even change the pain from my bulging disc for the weight. I am greatful that I am becoming healthier and I want it to continue.

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

There is a monthly support group which I sometimes attend when I am up that way. I can call and talk with my family and the staff at the center anytime I need to. This support is essential to my progress.

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

My scars are not any more noticable than any of my other stretch marks. I will probably start using a fading cream. I am thankful that I had six small incisions and not one large one. I know of a friend who had this and she looked like a zipper and it was very painful when she got the hiccups. The scars are smaller than I expected and they healed really fast.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was at the same weight for 2 weeks. This was very frustrating. One of my biggest problems was the word "rapid". To me 30 lbs. in 30 days is not rapid weight loss. I had done that several times. It was just normal weight loss. But, the word rapid to me meant more like 40 - 50 lbs. This made me have a very glumy outlook when I only lost 30 lbs. in the first month. Then I was told that the next month, I would only lose about 15 lbs. I think these numbers have helped me with my resolve to work harder and get the weight off faster. I do not want to have any plastic surgery so I want to get my stomach tightened up.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The people in my neighborhood are all watching what I am doing. This is making my husband extremely jealous. I look in the mirror and I still see fat old me. He looks at me and sees something beautiful. He always has. That is just one of the reasons I love him so much. I do not know how the people will react when I go back to work. It should be interesting.