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

My dad told me about it and said he knew a good doctor who was a pioneer in the field who could help me get my life back in control. I was willing to do anything so I told my dad to set it up.

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

I was a military wife at the time, and we had Champus/Tri Care. My surgeon took care of everything. I never even had to talk to the insurer.

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

My first visit was kind of scary. He weighed me, took my history, went through my medical file, and then said that he would take my case. He assured me that his office would handle the insurance, and they did. His staff was very nice and helpful. Back then, the psychological effects weren't well known, so there was no requirement of counseling or support groups. These days, I would hesitate to allow a doctor to operate on me that did NOT require counseling, because the surgery is merely a tool...it does not make the underlying issues fade away. Losing weight brings with it a whole new set of issues, so every patient should ask what type of counseling/support they offer.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was tired of being obese, not being able to breathe, and knowing that I was killing myself. I did not want my children to grow up without me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Back in 1994, the roux-y gastric by-pass was new and the only one available, so I didn't have a variety to choose from.

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 terrified, but back then the side effects were not as well-reported as they are now. Now, I would tell everyone that this is not a choice to be made lightly. This surgery is serious business, and there can be side-effects and complications. A lot of those take place because the patients, post-op, refuse to follow their doctor's instructions. If you aren't willing to change the way you eat, and what you eat, then you are wasting your time and your money, and maybe even your life. This surgery is for those who want to change...it is not a magic cure.

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 ex-husband was not supportive of the surgery at all, and it is not a surprise that he is now my ex-husband. My parents were supportive but worried...my friends were excited for me. My family helped me a great deal with the exception of my ex.

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

I was a homemaker at the time of surgery, so I didn't have to confront that issue. I was down for about 4 weeks before the soreness started fading.

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

I was in the hospital for 5 days, and it was great as far as hospitals go. My nurses were great and they made me as comfortable as they could. The best things to bring are comfortable slippers and a robe, your toothbrush, and anything that helps you feel calm and comfortable. I had a lot of books to read, because I love to read.

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

I did not have any major complications until 6 years post-op, when I started getting stomal constrictions. I had to retain the services of a gastroenterologist and have a series of 6 EGD's over a period of 2 years to alleviate the condition. The EGD's were not bad, they sedate you for them. The only other problem I had was low blood sugar and malabsorption, which was corrected by diet and vitamin consumption.

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'm a bit of an extremist, so I made out my will, spent lot sof time with my kids, and prayed a LOT. I was very nervous and worried about the outcome...I had my surgery at a point when WLS was still a very new procedure. I coped with my fears through prayer and talking with my friends.

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

First off, do NOT overdo it. The day I got out of the hospital my Mother took me to the mall and made me walk the entire mall. I was so sore and so sick that it set me back a week. Make sure you rest the first week and do not get up and around any more than the doctor tells you to. As far as eating goes, it is difficult. I dreaded it because every time I swallowed it felt like there was a lump in my throat. Everything was trial and error. Some foods made me sick, like anything sweet. I threw up some, and had to learn to chew my food better. It's an adjustment period, and the more research, the better prepared you'll be.

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

I lived in Kansas, but I went back home to Shreveport, LA to have the surgery. I stayed there for 4 weeks to recuperate and then went back to Kansas. This didn't affect my care at all.

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 was allowed to sip water and tea, but was limited to soft foods like jello, pudding, creamy soups, broths, and then I could start crackers and mashed potatoes in the 3rd week. It was a full six weeks before I had anything of substance. I could no longer eat ice cream or drink soda...they made me ill. I couls not eat beef or any really tough foods to digest. I mainly ate chicken and soft vegetables like cooked green beans. I made black eyed peas and rice, and red beans and rice, as well as homemade vegetable soup, and just ate that 6 times a day (small meals..one cup per meal). I was on the T-Factor eating plan, which required me to count fat grams. I could have only 20g of fat per day until I hit my goal weight.

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

Quite high. After my initial setback, I walked more and more each day. I returned to collgege full time 4 weeks post-op, and i parked far from campus so I could hike there and back each day. I walked up stairs instead of taking elevators, and hiked all over campus. The pounds just melted off!

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

I take folic acid, one a days, and that is about it. I take prenatal vitamins whenever I feel like I'm not getting enough nutrition.

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 dumping quite a bit for the first year, and I would just lie down and wait for it to pass. I worked hard to avoid foods that caused it. I lost hair, which continues to be an ongoing thing, but I cope with humor. Ionly vomited when I ate something hard ot digest or failed to chew my food properly, and I've moved beyond that for the most part. I was already an insomniac, so when it gets bad I take a prescription medication for two to three days until I'm back on track.

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

The worst part, for me, was that I was never warned about the psychological effects and emotional trauma that came afterwards. I was mentally unprepared, which resulted in a two year-long struggle to keep my sanity which culminated in a breakdown and a painful two-year recovery.

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

ObesityHelp is my only avenue of support. I spent 3 years in law school and did not have time to get involved in any others. This site is very helpful, and I've tried to answer any emails I get asking for help, etc. At one point, I was on the welcome team, but had to resign over health issues unrelated to WLS.

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

My scar is about 10 inches long and is diagonal down my left side. I don't really think about it much. To me, scars tell a story.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

When I hit 190, I stayed there for about 3 months before losing the final pounds that left me at 157. Then, I had excess skin removed and dropped to 123, which was a bit low. Nowadays, I stay between 135-145.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. I went to my high school reunion and people who wouldn't give me the time of day were talking to me, and some of the guys even asked me out. It was hilarious.