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

I had heard of Gastric Bypass Surgery for years and even had a family member who had it many years ago. My initial response was that is not for me. The thought of the surgery was too frightening. The Death Rate had not stablized at that point. After I went to OH and found all the information from those who had experienced the Surgery, I changed my thoughts completely.

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

When I began my Journey, I was insured through Anthem and followed their guidelines, including tests, Psych Eval, Nutritionist etc. The approval was a fairly easy process. Then the date for my surgery was changed and my employer changed carriers to Humana. So, once again I had to go through the process of gathering information and following the new guidelines. Once the papers were submitted, I received approval the very next day. Humana was very efficient in their actions, payments and responses.

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

Dr. Richards was just wonderful from the very first day. He was kind and answered all my questions including the one about how close he is to God. He and his entire staff were very helpfull throughout the stay. Actually he was so understanding and thoughtful when my ankle was broken and he had to postpone my surgery date. His nurse practicianers are fantastic!! Dr. Richards and the Vanderbilt Staff are the best. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering WLS.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I read all of the information and prayed for two months, then went to a Seminar at Vanderbilt Hospital. That was all it took. During the Seminar one of the Doctors talked to us and answered all of my question. When he finished, I knew what I had to do. That was on one Friday and I scheduled my first appointment the very next Monday. The rest is History.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

After examining all of the possibilities, I checked the risk factors and death rates associated with each. Then I found a video of an actual procedure taking place on-line. I watched the Laproscropic Rouen-Y procedure with the full explanation of each step. When I compared it with success rates and has listened with great care during the Seminar, I felt much more comfortable with this procedure. My doctor also suggested this as the best choice for me.

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 afraid that I might not wake up from the anesthesia. Even though I had read and studied, I knew there were no guarentees. I also knew that with the breathing problems I had experienced that it was possible that I could die on the operating table. With my weight being over 450 pounds, I realized I was high risk. But, I also knew that without this surgery my life expectancy was being cut daily. Gastric By-pass Surgery saved my life. I'm not even sure that I would have been here seven months with out it.

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 family and friends were extremely supportive and prayed with me before, during and after the Surgery. They were there at every step. My husband was with me at the Seminar and every appointment and step of the way. He is still supporting me and helping me make my journey. He is my Rock! One of my life long friends came and stayed with me the first few days out. She helped me get off to a great start. My husband to this day reminds me to "DRINK" my water!

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

I am retired, so that was not an issue for me!

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

The staff at Vanderbilt WERE FANTASTIC. From the moment I checked in at the registration desk until I left the hospital, the staff was knowledgable, caring, sincere and very dedicated to their work. Their professionalism was evident in the waiting room, surgery, recovery, and in my room. They were very well prepared to deal with an obese patient and made me feel comfortable at every step. I checked in on Monday at noon and left about 2 pm on Wednesday afternoon. My care was 5 star all the way!

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

I had no complications what so ever. Once I became slightly nauseated and the nurse opened an alcohol pad and told me to smell. The nausea past immediately.

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 prayed a lot! The pre-op "Carnation Instant Breakfast Prep" was one of the most difficult parts of the surgery process. I also talked on-line with my OH friends who helped to relay my fears and concerns. As I said, I prayed a lot! I knew it was a necessity for me to live. With that, I put it all in the Lord's hands and said, It is up to you! If I didn't make it, I was ready, but it had to be God's Will for Me what ever the outcome.

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

The first few days the incisions are tender, regardless of the type of surgery. With laproscopic surgery, the multiple small incisions may pull with each movement in the bed, walking, or standing. Learning to drink with small sips and to avoid taking a drink was a major learning experience. During the first two weeks one truly learns the measurement 2 oz. and how that measurement will be part of your on-going journey.

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

I live in North Western KY and had my surgery in Vanderbilt Hospital aprox. 130 miles away. When I read their suggestion that when driving you stop every 30 min. and walk around the car, I knew I didn't want to walk around that car 4 times on the way home. We decided to use our timeshare in Nashville and stay there until my ten day check-up and stitch removal. I am thankful we did. I was within a few minutes from the hospital and had a few days away from "our home routein" as well as visitors etc. to begin the recovery process.

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.

The clear liquids from the first days of surgery were a real change. Being a Home Economist I had ideas to make the Beef/Chicken broth more palatable using garlic salt, a touch of Wistoshire etc. I learned to freeze the protein shakes in an ice tray and eat them in 2 oz. portions. I did get tired of Jello, but it was only a short time. After 10 days I moved to pureed foods. That was an interesting time. Puddings and applesauce became trusted friends. I was disappointed when I got to soft foods, because I was looking forward to scrambled eggs. I am now 7 months out and still have not been able to eat one egg scrambled completly. Where I had always enjoyed scrambled eggs now I can hardly tollerate a couple of bites. Some foods that I had been my friends forever are now my enemies. I never ate grits, now I have grits at least two or three times per week. I stay away totally from anything carbonated and avoid any thing with more than six grams of sugar. I have found that tollerance limit. When the nutritionist said I could have 3 oz. I had two; when she said I could have 4 oz. I had 3 oz; I have avoided pushing the limit on my pouch. When I feel the first sign of being full, I quit. I have a ramkin cup that holds exactly 3 oz. When I measure my food in this container, there is no question of how much I've had. Also, keeping my dietary log has been a help. I have created a number of nutritious recipes and in face am writing a recipe book for baraictric patients. Doctors vary on when you can have soft foods and how much fat or carbs is right for each patient. There are no specifics only what works for you. What foods you craved before the surgery may literally make you sick later. Fish have a higher protein content than many other foods. I try to plan meals with variations for my protein. Fish, Chicken, Cottage Cheese, and protein puddings all give excellent sources for that protein need. Broiled and Baked are two cooking terms which must be tatooed in you brain. Avoid all FRIED Foods! Be cautious of Nutrition Information on products. NO Sugar Added does NOT MEAN Sugar Free! This could easily cause you to Dump your Food! That is not a pleasant experience. In my 7 months out, I've only had one experience with dumping. IT IS PAINFUL ! and leaves one weak! Any time I feel nauseated after eating, I eat 1 slice of Melba Toast with a very light touch of "lite butter". It takes away the nausea. That's two secrets I've found for Nausea: alcohol pads and Melba Toast with pinch of butter. I try to avoid that are high in calorie or carbohydrates. Potatoes are a stay away food. Download the USDA publication on Protein Foods and find the list which gives you the amt. of protein found in the most commonly eaten foods. it even has a list of fast food information. For example a small taco has 18 grams of protein. One interesting discovery I have made is that my sinus drainage (particularly during the allergy season) will fill my pouch, then when I eat the food may stay down but the drainage doesn't. I take my allergy pill and fulid pills early in the morning and then by the time I'm ready to eat breakfast everything is settled and I do not get sick. I have found that I can find something to eat almost any where I've gone. But, If you are conscientious in you food choices, you can find something that will suffice. After all, you are only looking for about 4 oz. of nutritious food!

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

I was on a mobility cart when I had my surgery. Walking was a major undertaking. It was a slow steady process. Once I got more energy and felt better, I exercised as I could. Walking from the bed to the kitchen was a major accomplishment early on. I am now off my cart and walking. I still use a cane but hope to be free of it before long.

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

I take multiple vitamins, B12, Calcium, Potassium and Biotin every day. There is not a lot of talk about loosing your hair prior to the surgery. What I found is that many people loose some of their hair around the third month. That is when I started taking the Biotin. Since then, my hair loss has practically stopped and my nails and skin are both doing well. IF I had it to do over I would have started the Biotin early on and prevented this part of the side effect or at least slowed it down some.

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?

Dumping has been very limited and not a problem for me. Nausea fixes have served me well. And, some foods, smells and tastes still bother me. The Hair Loss was disturbing but not a frantic time. Biotin took care of it. I really have not had any sleep disturbance. My sleep apnea improved so rapidly that I turned in my bi-pap machine after my third month out. I am now off all medications. No sleep apnea, blood sugar, blood pressure or chloresterol medications are a thing of the past.

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

The worst part for me is getting enough water and protein in each day and meeting the wait time before and after meals. Sometimes I am not hungry and have to make my self eat. One gets tired of water, tea, & coffee after a while. I have found variations such as no cal., no sugar green and rhasberry tea and Cinnamon Sugar Free Cider are excellent liquid sources. Isopur is a great source for both liquid and protein requirements.

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

For 7 months I have searched for a support group. It is too far to travel to Nashville for a group meeting. Today, I actually found a local group that is just forming. In a few months I may have a better answer to this question. Up until this point I have been on my own and with OH.

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

My scars are not even visiable now! A product called Body Butter available from Clinique is sold at many department stores. It works miracles with scars and skin imperfections. I have threatened to fill my bath tub with it! It works well on feet and legs as they shrink and the skin get dry.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Actually I am reaching my first plateau right now. I've lost over 160 pounds and been under a great deal of stress in the last month with the death of my mother. My weight loss has not stopped but has slowed this month. I'm going to go back to my first week diet of liguids for a week and see if it will help jumpstart my loosing cycle again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Many are in amazement and don't know what to say. Others do not recognize me. My true friends rejoice with me in my loss. I've lost one woman and working on the second!