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

I first learned about bariatric surgery through a commercial on television several years ago. I called the 800 number and requested the information. I held onto that for 2 years, occasionally watching the video, thinking that it might be right for me. It wasnt until last fall when my primary care physician detected some cardiac changes that I started seriously investigating my surgical options.

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

I have BCBS of Michigan, a PPO, and had no problems getting coverage for surgery. To date the total non-coverage has only been $480. A small price to pay for life.

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

The very first consultaion was a little frustrating. I was surprised at how nervouse I was. My surgeon did a wonderful job of making me feel at ease, and allowed ample time for question and answer. I think the most important thing new patients can do at their initial visit it to allow themselves to get to know the surgeon. Don't be afraid to ask questions pertaining to his experinces, his education, and his overall feel for you. The last thing you want to be nervous about is the competency of your surgeon.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I battled with my decision for almost 2 years, but the final deciding factors for me were 1. my cardiac changes, and 2. having found such a wonderful surgeon.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon actually made that decison. I had open RNY and am very fortunate to have had an open procedure. We did not know prior to surgery that I had many bowel adhesions and had we not gotten them repaired when we did I would have had many complications later.

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 approached WLS as a "do or die" kind of thing. Having had a couple of mild heart attacks I knew it was only a matter of time before I would have a major one. WLS saved my life.

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?

The majority of my family had the "over my dead body" attitude. I went into it alone, and came through it alone... after the surgery they worry about the amounts of rapid weight loss I had, but became more accepting of it. Now some seem to be waiting for WLS to fail me, I'm going to prove them wrong!

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

I worked at a rural hospital, so they were generally supportive. I think my immediate supervisor heard about my decision through the grape vine. I was out of work a little over 8 weeks due to the additional procedures I had done, plus the fact that I had collapsed a lung after I was discharged from the hospital.

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

My hospital stay was pretty routine. The worst part is the walking after surgery. I felt as if they were literally dragging me down the hall the night of surgery. Since I had open RNY my abdominal pain was pretty intense when I was up to the bathroom, but I think that was the worst part of the entire stay. I had surgery on Friday and was released Sunday morning. My most important items were my cd player and my chapstick!

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

The only post surgical complication I had was a collapsed lung. It set me back in my recovery a bit, but it didn't affect my weight loss at all.

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 very tired for months. Anxiety was a big factor. I was always weighing myself and worrying about my protein intake etc. Over time that fades and you start enjoying the new you! I had a couple of close friends that helped to pick me up when I was down.

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

The first few weeks I needed quite a bit of help with household chores. It was almost 2 weeks before I could get myself from a lying to a sitting position without incident. Don't expect to much from yourself and accept help when its offered... those are 2 important lessons I learned.

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

My surgeon was a little over an hour away. He allowed my PCP to do a lot of my after care. I do think that the fact that I am a memeber of the "medical community" (having worked in medicine for 11 yrs) affected my after care as well.

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

The first few days after surgery were limited to short walks about the house. After about 3 weeks I ventured outside around the yard, puttering around with small tasks.

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

I started out on childrens chewable vitamins and sublingual b12 tablets. Now I take Centrum chewables.I've tried tons of protein shakes and finally found a few I could tolerate. I go through phases with them yet (almost 3 yrs out) Some days they make me dump and others they are fine.

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 still battle with some things getting stuck in the opening of my pouch. I dump on things randomly and I think that is the worst thing to deal with, especially when eatting out.

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

The absolute worst part of my journey was the initial recovery phase. I've hit many plateaus and even gained a few pounds, but the wonderful friends in the chat rooms help bring you over those humps and keep you focused. (not to mention an amazing new husband who cheers you on)

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

The only support group I use now is the Obesityhelp chat room. If there were a local support group I would definitely go. People who havent had WLS, no matter how supportive they are, still don't understand the mental part of WLS and you need to have someone to lean on from time to time.

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

My scar is larger than most. It runs sternum to navel, but that is because I also had a hiatl hernia and bowel adhesion repair done. Its a little larger than I expected, but I can live with it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Plateaus are a big part of WLS and the first few are enough to make you cry! Go back to basics and eventually you win the battle.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice a BIG difference in the way people treat me. I get more respect than I did before WLS. If it's someone who knew me pre-op, I make it a point to draw this to their attention. I enjoy the embarassed look on their face!