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

After my pcp brought it back to my mind, I went to the internet and read everything I could, about 6 hours a day for two weeks. The personal profiles were the most helpful. I also watched The Heavyweight Solution on Discovery health with stories and surgeries and all, a little gory but helpful. Both surgeons sent me information before my first appointment, and my pcp assured me there had been no deaths or longterm complications for either of them. Her reassurance and personal support was the big thing.

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

I researched this site and many others for many hours each day for information on the surgery. As soon as I had two doctors names I made a call to our local BCBS office to ask how to get this procedure approved. One the federal employee program there is no pre-certification letter issued, but they do approve the surgery for medical necessity. We discussed my co-morbidities, weight, bmi, and diet history. She told me they met the criteria, and that they had processed/paid claims for both surgeons with no problems. I met with both surgeons and their assistants to discuss both procedure and insurance coverage and immediately scheduled a date. That was Nov 2. They scheduled me for Nov 15, and sent me over to the hospital to be pre-admitted and pre-op tests. Today, Nov 23, I received a letter stating that they have started the claim process by investigating my procedure and length of stay, and that it was deemed a medical necessity.

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

I actually had appointments with 3 surgeons all the same week, but cancelled one when I learned he had not yet performed the lap rny. I met with Dr. Allen, who was very passionate about the genetics aspect of research, and that this procedure is both the only effective and only permanent solution. He described the surgery, told me the risks of having and not having the surgery, discussed insurance, pain meds, and answered my lists of questions, as well as checking out my medical history, weight and bmi and softness of my abdomen. I scheduled a surgery to make sure I could get in. At the end of the week I met Dr. Rohrer and went through basically the same consultation, except that I felt a better human connection with him, and liked some of his views better. So we scheduled a date and it took off from there. I would say to not only read about the surgery, choices, meds, etc. but read profiles of the people who have been there. That will bring up the questions you really have. If your doctor hesitates to answer questions about complications he has seen or anything else, move on to the next guy.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had a friend with type I diabetes who had just lost a leg to it. She has suffered so much over the years. My dad had almost lost his life a couple of times. When my skin started to cut and bruise and bleed and not heal, and my feet hurt, I didn't want to wait for any more consequences to catch me. I wanted my life back.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the Lap Rny and read about others on the internet to be sure.

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 tried to remember that when I got my tonsils out I had no fear about not waking up, and not to let others' fears get to me. Of course, I did have moments ... but I had faith that God brought this surgery to me and He would see me through, and He did. The support of this site, the local support group, and my friends and immediate family all helped me through. My friend Suzy and my husband John stayed with me and kept me talking and laughing until the last doorway, and the nurses were wonderful when I got there, talking and listening until the moment we entered the OR and I said, "Oh wait. This is way too X-Files for me!" Then I was out ...

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 and children and two best friends were wonderful. I did not tell the rest of my family until after the surgery. I would do it the same. I only told those I knew would understand and support me the way I needed to be supported.

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

I was admitted on Thursday morning at 9 am. My husband and best friend kept me company in the waiting room. My doctor had 3 gallbladder surgeries to perform, and as they were shorter, we changed the schedule to put me last. I finally went in to pre-op at 12:30. I got into my gown. The three of us hung out and cracked jokes while I enjoyed pre-warmed blankets. They did labwork and put in an iv about an hour or so later. Finally at 2:15 I was wheeled to the next staging area. My friend went home and my husband kissed me goodbye. Surgical nurses came out to meet me and so did the anesthesiologist. Got my little blue hat and my happy juice, and I was wheeled in just before 3. I looked around and said "Hey, this is way too x-files for me!" and as my eyes closed I heard "Let's get started." I didn't bring anything that morning because we left the bag in the car until I got a room. I brought a small amount of recommended stuff: my robe, slipper socks, chapstick and vaseline, toothbrush and toothpaste, comb. These I were very glad to have. I had also brought shampoo, lotion, my medicines, a book, a stuffed animal -- none of which i used. The bath/body gel and lotion they supplied was right there. I went home Sunday morning, although I later wished I had stayed one more day. The care was excellent all the way around.

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

No, not really. I felt very lucky to be doing so well. Of course that first moment you wake up in pain is not so much fun, but I knew they need to see you be conscious before they dish out the meds! I had a pump, but found the toradol the most effective pain reliever. The barium swallow the next morning was not the big deal I thought it was going to be. I walked starting that afternoon. The only thing I hated was the drain, nothing else hurt much until the iv in my hand got dislodged and so did the catheter. Because I had walked and was doing so well I got to have both removed early. Then I had loratab as a pain med. By the time I left I was on tylenol only.

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

Most of what I felt was excitement, and hope. Once or twice I was afraid of not waking up, but I figured God had gotten me this far, and He would be faithful to do the rest! I had also purchased abook and tape by Peggy Huddleston on how to heal fast after surgery, and a tape by Neil Neimark that I loved so much I listened to every night. I continued to read profiles to be encouraged, and my doctor reminded me that both surgeons had done 70 - 90 of these a year and in 5 years no one had been lost or had longterm or severe complications. I talked it over with my family until my kids felt ok with it. We watched specials on tv about it. The best support is people on this site, your angel, and your local support group. Go to at least one meeting beforehand and ask all the questions you want. I found wls people to be the most honest, friendly and caring people ever.

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

The first day and night home I was emotional, tired, and prayed just to go to sleep. I was on liquid tylenol only even before I left the hospital, so it wasn't pain but just readjustment and that it was hard to get comfortable and sleep. I was only in the hospital 3 days, maybe should have stayed one more day and night. I wasn't fond of the drain, and I couldn't look at it without feeling queasy, but it was not at all as hard as I thought it would be.

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

We were only minutes from the hospital fortunately. But then, in Great Falls, everything is only minutes from everything else.

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.

This has been the trying part. I had this miracle week after surgery where I could eat little bits of everything, even Thanksgiving dinner, but by the end of the second week reality returned. I realized I had 40 years invested in bad eating habits. It is now 2 months out and I'm still vomiting. The protein shakes stay down the best (Carb Solutions from Wal-Mart). I have had good luck with bean and bacon soup, some chili, cream of wheat and oatmeal, scrambled or poached eggs once in a while, sugar free pudding. I had some halibut that was wonderful, but when I tried salmon it was an immediate no! So I have been afraid to try tuna. I don't like cottage cheese, but have now been able to eat crackers and some grilled cheese. Pasta has not been a good choice nor banana, chicken is a killer. Egg drop and other chinese type soups are good, but after the hospital I can't even stand the smell of broth. I have to learn to eat slower, chew more thoroughly, etc. I also learned that these bad habits were part of compulsive overeating, and I am working on the emotional aspects of that behavior as well to help me get well all the way around. Geneen Roth's books are excellent for this.

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

It grows at an incredible rate, almost immediately I could do things and move better than I had in years!

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

Tums extra calcium and childrens vitamins. I am looking to improve on this.

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

I think that fear of the unknown is the worst part of any experience. I read as much information as I could get my hands on and talked to people who had been through it, and stayed in touch with friends I could depend on.

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

My surgeon sees me once a month for the first year. It is very helpful, as he is encouraging and caring and so patient in explaining things. We have a support meeting once a month with wonderful, honest and friendly people and with helpful topics. Both of these are essential.

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

At two months the little portholes are tiny red lines and the 3 inch line at my belly button is not a big deal to me either.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People started treating me differently right away, smiling at restaurants and stores instead of the grumpy judgmental looks. But then I started to feel differently about myself and my worth immediately too!