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

I learned of bariatric surgery in the 80's. My impression was then and was through the 90's that bariatric surgery was for the weak. I thought if one just pulled themselves away from the table and exercised, obesity could be overcome. That was then.

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

My experience was good and bad. I was approved right away for the Roux-en-Y but then discovered the Duodenal Switch. My surgeon tried for the DS but the insurance company denied. I appealed and was denied again. I ended up having the RNY. The first thing I did when I decided I wanted to have bariatric surgery was go online and check to see if my medical insurance covered the surgery and to see if I met their specifications. Thereafter, I knew minimally, I could have the RNY.

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

Discussions about why I wanted the surgery and what I had done in the past to attempt to lose weight. We talked about past medical history and the various surgical options.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Failed attempts at weight loss, continued weight gain, miserable inside my own body.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The procedure that the insurance company would cover was the deciding factor. I could not pay for the DS out of pocket.

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 had no fears whatsoever. I have worked in organ and tissue procurement and transplant surgery for 7 years and am comfortable in the operating room. If someone is scared of the surgery, I would tell them you should be scared NOT to have the surgery. The host of comorbidities and problems associated with obesity not only limit one's ability to live a normal life but will end one's life prematurely.

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, friends, and co-workers were very supportive. I explained to people why I was having the surgery. I am 38 and have hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea. I didn't have diabetes, knee/hip problems, etc. but I was sure too if I didn't do something. I am still young enough to where my body would "snap" back too.

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 and thought it was a good idea too. I will be out of work 4 weeks. I am 2 weeks post-op now and want to go back but my employer wants to wait the other 2 weeks to ensure I am better healed.

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

I was at the University of Minnesota, Harvard Street, Minneapolis; 7th floor, 7B. Hospital stay was just as one would expect. The lab came every morning to draw blood, the Nursing Assistant woke me every 1 or 2 hours to take vitals and my blood sugar; team of surgeons came every morning at 0700 to discuss progress. I was hospitalized 7 days. I would recommend to bring a long pair of tongs and baby wipes. This will keep you independent in the bathroom when your bowels start working. I also brought my tooth brush, toothpaste, deoderant, and razor. You won't feel like reading or doing puzzles so books aren't necessary.

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

I had no complications 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?

2 weeks post-op, I feel great. I don't have any anxiety.

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

Make sure you have food in the house you can eat and that you have a blender to prepare pureed meals. Stairs are not an issue but I did sleep in the spare bedroom because the mattress on that bed is firm in comparison with the master bedroom which has a memory foam mattress. When you first come home, you will still need to do the "log roll" and push up with your arms to sit up prior to getting out of bed. After the first week home, everything is almost back to normal.

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

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.

I am now 6 months post-op. A month after surgery, I tried to eat chicken. Sometimes, I tollerated it well; other times I threw up. I tollerate all meat well now. I avoid anything deep fried. I also choose not to eat bread, potatoes, and anything sweet (chocolate, sweets, cake, pies, cookies, etc.) that is not sugar free. For my sweet tooth, I have sugar free pudding pops, popsicles, and jello. I eat pizza every now and then but only 1 slice! My eating habits have changed drastically compared to before surgery. The first month after surgery, I consumed EAS protein shakes made with milk, sugar-free pudding and jello, pureed meat with broth, scrambled eggs, cream of wheat, oatmeal, meatloaf and soup. I graduated to eating the meat I previously pureed without pureeing. 2 months after surgery I started eating a small portion of chicken wraps with mayo and cheese at work for lunch now and then. I also ate tuna fish on one slice of bread but only ate half. Six months later, I can eat a lot more than I used to so I need to exercise constraint in terms of the amount of food I chose to eat in order to avoid over eating. My hunger and cravings have came back but I have done well doing what I should be doing.

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

Energy level is probably better at 2 weeks post-op than before surgery. 6 weeks post op, my energy level is through the roof compared to before surgery.

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

Centrum liquid once a day; Citrical (calcium) petites 3 times a day; B12 once a day. I have since graduated to Centrum pills and take 1 in the AM and 1 in the PM.

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 was very lucky and did not have many side effects. I only vommitted if I ate too fast or ate something I shouldn't have eaten.

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

The 3 - 4 days after surgery. I had an open RNY so it hurt to breath. I had to cough up mucous from my lungs which was extremely painful but had to be done. I developed pneumonia 1 month post-op.

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

I have not attended any support group yet but I have thought about it.

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

My scar is better than the one I had! It is straight and narrow!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was losing about 20 pounds a month and had slight plateaus but never reached any stagnant plateaus until I lost about 90 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everybody treats me differently. I get so much attention! Strangers (women) speak to me in the airport, hotel lobby, etc. when I travel. People at work treat me differently too, mostly the woman.