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

I first found out about bariatric surgery in October of 2000. I saw one ad on TV, which I never saw again. It so moved me that I immediately called the number for information. The ad showed a mom with 2 little kids asking her to take them on a picnic. Then it showed in her head, her trying to load up the van, etc. and it was just too much for her, so she told the kids "not today." That ad hit me like a ton of bricks because that was me. The ad was for a bariatric center opening in our area, but the timing was horrible because we were about to move to Houston.

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

I expected the insurance process to go smoothly, because I knew of another employee who had the surgery approved with no problem. Yet, for me, the process took an incredible 8 MONTHS!! I do believe it was more due to totally incompetent employees than anything. Everytime I submitted something, it would get lost...30 days later, I would have to resubmit it and wait another 30 days, then I would receive it and it had the wrong physician information. This went on and on and on...

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

My first meeting was a bit indimidating. My surgeon was very direct about the surgery and would only work with fully compliant patients. He insisted on starting immeidiately to lose 5-10 pounds before surgery by eating only meat and vegetables. I had heard that if you gained even 1 pound back by surgery he would cancel you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I put a lot of prayer into my decision to have the surgery. I felt confident in my decision and knew I had given it over completely to God. Yet, when the insurance took so long to approve, I started doubting, thinking maybe I was trying to take the easy way out...like major surgey and changing my life is an easy way out!!! Friends from bible study were very supportive with prayer.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I always planned to have laporscopic RNY since it was less of an incision.

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 would tell people to be as informed as they can be going into the surgery, but not to be afraid of dying or of complications because the long term risks of obesity in my opinion are greater than the possible risks of surgery.

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?

Friends were very supportive. My husband was a bit wary. He would rather have a fat wife than no wife, but he understood my need to have it done. I never told my mother and father because it was a hard enough decision without having to hear their unwanted advice (which is always negative). My husband called and told them the day of surgery and they were surprised, but at that point, were just glad I was fine.

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

I had surgery on Monday morning and came home on Wednesday morning. The hospital and doctors were all wonderful. The nursing staff was not very helpful. It took a long time to get them to come in the middle of the night. The first day, I was very uncomfortable, not even from my stomach or insicions, but really bad back pain. I also had the push button pain medicine which to me, did not help my pain. I felt better the few times I insisted the nurse give me the dosage herself. The next day I felt fine. I didn't bring much with me from home. I chose to just wear hospital gowns, not my own. Chapstick and slippers are a must..toothbrush and toiletries and a book (which I did not read) were all I brought.

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

None at all. I was very blessed.

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 felt a strong sense of urgency that I had to have this surgery all along, so when I finally got a date, I was ready. My last week was filled up with last minute doctor appointments and cardio tests to get medical clearance, though, and that was stressful, just trying to get it all done.

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

I said all along that I felt wonderful except for the day of surgery when I had very uncomfortable back pain. Looking back over the first week, even though I felt great considering I just had surgery, I will say that the first few days home I had a slightly elevated temperature and maybe felt a little weak. It was hard mentally to be on liquids the first week, even though there was no physical hunger or desire to eat. The second week when I started solid foods was a trial period. I would take a bite of something to see if it would do anything, and I found I did well on anything I tried. I didn't throw anything up until around week 3. I think the reasons that caused it were eating too fast, too much, or not chewing well enough, because the same foods I threw up were foods I had eaten before. Also it was a strange foamy, spit substance that came up, not the food. I'm guessing that to be gastric juices.

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

My surgeon and hospital were local, thank God. It was important for me to be close to home.

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 at week 5 and the first week was clear liquids. My doctor's instruction is to eat nothing but meat and vegetables for 6 months, or close to goal. I have however tried other foods and so far, nothing has given me a problem, not even sugar (I tried a bite of a Christmas cookie).

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

Three days after surgery, I had to get out of the house, so I went to get my hair done and went grocery shopping (forgetting that I would have to carry the groceries into the house!) I feel less tired and don't take a nap in the middle of the day.

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

My doctor says 4 chewable Flinstones w/iron vitamins a day is all I need. On return visits when bloodwork is checked, they determine if any additional supplements are needed. I've heard of people taking B-12 shots and lots of other stuff, so I am curious as to how well I will do on my children's vites.

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?

At 5 weeks out, the only side effect I have had is throwing up after eating too much or too fast. Have not had any dumping or anything else yet.

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

The worst part of the process was the wait on insurance. The surgery was a breeze.

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

My doctor does not supply any information, but I look on the internet and find information there. I know a few people who have had the surgery and have asked them questions. For me this is enough support.

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

Six small incisions, one in the belly button. They are about 1 inch long and look like they will be hardly noticeable once they fade.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am at week 5 and have not lost any weight this week. This is discouraging since the first month is where I assumed I would drop 25-30 pounds and I've lost 19.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet.