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

I first found out about bariatric surgery by searching the internet for weight loss and support. At first I was really against it, but had to research it and find out what all the hype was about. I had heard about stomach stapling, but it sounded barbaric and the weight loss was significant, but did not always stay off. Durring my research on the internet I found out about the newer changes in bariatric surgery and the Gold Standard. While the results were appealing, I did not want to undergo surgery, especially if they had to slice down the middle of my belly. I later discovered that they were doing the surgery laproscopically and then started really thinking about it.

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

My insurance did not cover the surgery. It had a clause that flat out stated it would not cover Bariatric Surgery for any reason, even if secondary to another condition.

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

My first visit went well. I was already pretty knowledgable about what to expect and the surgery itself. I would recomend writing all of your questions down and bringing a friend or family member with you to your visit. Most people are nurveous and forget a good portion of what is said to them along with the questions they wanted to ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had researched the surgery enough to change my mind. The overwhelming evidence along with the long term success of the surgery is what ultimatly changed my mind. I also saw many before and after pictures on the internet and talked to a few people who had the surgery. Everyone I talked to said they would do it again and told me about the new life they have with an incredible amount of energy and a much improved self-esteam.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the Gold standard, because it has the best results for the majority of people along with keeping the weight off long term. If I was going to have the surgery, then I wanted to have the best one with the best success rates both initially and long term.

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 really didn't have many fears. I am a nurse and use to work on a general surgical/trauma floor and had a pretty good understanding of surgical complications and what to expect from a surgery and the recovery time. I think knowledge is the key. The more you know and understand the less there is to fear.

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?

At first my family and friends thought it was a pretty radical decision. But, after showing them before and after pictures along with giving them lots of information on the success rate compared to other weight loss efforts they started to change their thinking. Some of my family got excited for me, while others didn't understand why I needed or wanted to have this surgery done, but everyone would support me whatever I decided to do. After my surgery my family was more supportive than I had expected. My dad was the biggest skeptic, but he was there at the hospital and durring my surgery and for my whole hospital stay. Staff at the hospital who had the surgery done, whould come up to me and give me words of encouragement and even brought some before pictures, we could see the after results right in front of us. My dad could hardly believe it and everyone had such good things to say and gave me some good tips. This was really the turning point for him. He started to understand my decision. He finally got to see that I wasn't just taking the easy way out, because this surgery was by no means easy. But it is providing me with the tool that I need to help me lose and keep off the weight.

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

My employer and supervisor were OK with my decision. I first told my supervisor that I was going to have abdominal surgery. I did not go into detail, but later did tell her what kind of surgery I was going to have. I also told all of my co-workers. I was out of work for 6 weeks. I was a nurse in an ER, at that time. We stayed very busy and my job required lots of energy and strength. I was also on light duty for a while after I returned.

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

My hospital stay was hectic, however I'm sure that is due to the huricaine. I was evacuated from my hospital to another. My total hospital stay was 5 days. My long handled back scrubber was great. It allowed me to take a shower by myself without help. Without it, I would have needed someone to help me. I also brought crystal light. It helped me get more water in, when I didn't really feel like drinking much. A good pair of walking shoes, they will get you up walking shortly after surgery and will have you walk a few times everyday thereafter. I brought my own shampoo, conditioner, and antibacterial soap. I felt much better after my shower and did smell like a hospital with their products. I also brought a can of oust air nutrilizer. It was a lifesaver with a roommate. I was nauseous as is, without having to smell any other funky smells.

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

No complications

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 was very anxious for a while, but I kept myself busy to keep my mind off of it.

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

I was sore at 2 weeks post-op. I didn't have enough pain to take any pain meds, but my left upper abdomen was tender. The G-tube was removed on day 14 post-op. That was not a plesant experience, but it was a short lived pain. I would recommend taking a pain pill prior to the removal, if at all possible. I can remember forcing myself to eat, I wasn't hungry. When I ate...I could only eat about 1-2 oz. at that time. I couldn't believe that I could be full on that little. I also had to push the fluids. I felt like all I was doing was drinking, eating, taking naps, and getting little walks in. Elastic pants/shorts were wonderful. I didn't want anything to put pressure on my abdomen.

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

I traveled about 2 1/2 hours (about 150 miles). I had to stay in a hotel near the hospital for 10 days after my surgery. It made things a little more difficult. I had to bring my own blender to puree my food and had a family memeber with me to help with everything.

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 to be on pureed food for 10 days after I left the hospital. That was pretty tough, things just don't seem to taste as good. I am on soft food now and am enjoying it. There are no real startchy foods at this point. No Carbs except for 1 oz of fruit or veggies with my protien. Everything must be soft and easy to chew at this point.

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

I went to support group meetings monthly (when I could). I had to drive 1 1/2 hrs for these meetings. There really wasn't much in my area. I mainly used obesityhelp.com for my support. It was so helpful to read what others were going through and how they were dealing with things. It was also helpful to see that I wasn't the only one experiencing these changes. I am now 3 years post-op. I rarely attend support group meetings now, because I am comfortable with my new lifestyle and understand what is going on in my body. But, I also know that the resources are there if I need them. My role has changed from wanting support for myself to educating and supporting others.

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

I have 6 little scars, the largest being 3 cm. Most of them are not very noticable. You would have to be looking for them to find them. The scars are less than I had expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I'm actually currently at a plateau. I had lost 150 lbs and was happy with the results, however I haven't reached my goal weight. I am now 3 years post-op and have maintained that weight loss, but am now wanting to reach my goal weight. The difference is that I really have to work at it now. But, I was aware of this. The surgery is only a tool.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am definently treated differently now. I don't get all the strange/ disgusting looks from people when I eat. I get the opposite comments now...did you not like the food, you didn't eat very much. I now get comments of how nice I look, rather than what a beautiful face or you have such pretty hair. This is a nice change. People who didn't know me before can't believe I was ever Obese.