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

I dont remember how I first learned of bariatric surgery, I just remember calling to see if my insurance was accepted and learned it wasnt. I gave up on it at that moment. Years later a lady came to my yard sale and told me she was having bariatric surgery. We had the same insurance so I knew I might be able to get it now. My research began that day. The thought of someone cutting me open and rearranging my innards scared the life out of me! Then I saw pictures of people who had been successful with the surgery and read how their lives had been changed/saved. I began to understand that this could really work!

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

Insurance approval for me was very simple; I didnt really have to do anything. My doctors office submitted all the necessary information and I received approval within one week. I really wanted to have the surgery done lap but the only surgeon in my region that accepted my insurance only does open surgery.

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

My first visit to my surgeon was quicker that I expected. It all happened so fast that I really wasnt properly prepared. My best advice would be to make a list of questions and take it with you. Its so easy to forget things and miss your opportunity.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I decided to have the surgery because I knew I had to do something drastic to save my life. Through out my life I have missed out on so much. I just felt it was time I took control of my body and my life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My surgeon chose my procedure. He performed the procedure he has had the greatest success with and that the insurance would approve. My job was to educate myself and take proper care of myself post-op.

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 am a medical professional, however, I had never had surgery of any kind. I was scared to death! I relieved so much of my fear through education and participation in my support group. I learned how to properly prepare my body for surgery to minimize the risks. I also learned what warning signs to watch for so when I did have post-op complications the problems were identified and treated early on. I learned to take responsibility for myself and I learned to expect and require answers to my questions. Then I gave it to God.

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 sister, an RN, totally flipped when I told her what I was planning to do. The hospital she works at was not having great success with bariatric surgery and they had experienced a lot of deaths. As an ER Nurse, my sister did not have any first hand experience with bariatrics and did not realize that the surgeons at her facility were not very experienced. I assured her that I had researched my surgeon quite extensively and was very comfortable with his knowledge and reputation. She remained skeptical, even angry. The rest of my family was surprisingly supportive and sought to educate them selves immediately. I was geared up for a fight that never happened! To this day, I have not shared my surgery with friends or co-workers. I felt that this was a highly personal decision and it did not require input or support from anyone but my family.

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

I did not tell my employer that I was having bariatric surgery. I did not feel that it was their business to know the specific surgery I was having. I explained that I needed to have my ulcers taken care of (true, they were bypassed) and have my gallbladder out so I would be having abdominal surgery. As far as I was concerned, nuff said! I was out of work for one month and returned for part-time for a period of 2 weeks before returning to full time.

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

My stay in the hospital was good although it is very difficult to sleep well there. I was there for 5 days. The most important thing I took to the hospital was a good pair of slippers with a rubber sole. Walking safely is so important! Also, it was important to take a comfortable set of clothes to wear on the trip home. I found I really didnt need anything else I had brought.

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

I did have some complications. My spleen was ruptured during surgery (a complication I was warned could happen). Post-op I was given extra iron and my labs were closely monitored. It probably too a little longer to regain my energy but that was about it. Also, about two weeks after surgery I developed a fever. I ended up back in the hospital for 5 additional days while they gave me I.V. antibiotics and tried to identify the source of the infection. They never discovered where the infection was but the antibiotics cleared everything up. I dealt with the complications by listening to the doctors and being compliant.

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

Immediately after I got my surgery date I was just a little freaked out. The date meant it was really going to happen. After I shared the news with all of my family I suddenly felt calm. I was filled with peace, I think because I had absolutely no doubt that I was doing what was right for me and I was saving my life.

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

My first few weeks at home, I was very tired. I think it is important to give yourself time and listen to your body. Remember to not over do it, its easy to get carried away when youre feeling good, youll pay for it later though.

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

I traveled approximately 220 miles for my surgery. The distance did not affect my follow-up appointments; however, it did have an affect on my support group participation. Since it is too far to go for regular support group participation I became involved in a local support group. The group I belong to is good but I would have preferred to stay with the program at my hospital. I do feel like I am missing out.

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.

Immediately post-op I was on a liquid diet, progressing to soft/puree on to normal. To date I have not eaten anything I could not tolerate, however, I am very strict with myself and stick to a protein rich diet. I consult frequently with my dietitian and consume between 45 - 70 grams of protein per day via supplementation and have 3 small meals a day.

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

I was not very active immediately after surgery. I tried to ride my recumbent exercise bike at lease a mile 5 times a week. Now, 4 months post-op I ride my recumbent for 20 min daily, usually around 4.7 miles.

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

I take one pre-natal vitamin (chewable) per day. To help with body odor from the rapid weight loss (ketosis) I take two Innermints a day. I try to take calcium citrate as often as possible (should be daily) but I have not had good luck finding a tablet that is small enough. I take 1000MCG of B-12 under the tongue 4-5 times a week. As for supplements, I have had good luck with Champion Whey Stack; I add the chocolate flavor to coffee. I also like unflavored Any Whey (Optimum); it really does have no taste. I like to stick to the predigested whey because of its stability, baking with it adds a little boost to foods.

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?

The only thing I have really experienced is the hair loss. It began at about 3 months post-op and 2 months later continues. My hair feels pretty thin now but I think it is only noticeable to me. Hopefully it will stop soon. I just accept it as part of the process and know it will grow back.

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

The worst part about the process is the long wait. When you find a good bariatric surgeon they usually are pretty busy. I would say if you can get right in, be concerned! There may be a very good reason for it but I would certainly investigate.

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

Since my surgery was done over 200 miles from my home, I belong to a local support group. The group is helpful, however, I feel like I would have more benefit if I could attend support group meetings run by medical professionals. Im never quite certain about the authenticity of the information given in my group. Also, each surgeon has their own after care plan so it can be confusing when you attend a support group where several programs are represented. I think this creates a very good opportunity for misinformation; however, I feel like its better than no support at all. **Update** I now participarte in a support group where the surgeon presents an education segment each month. This format has proven to be a huge help to me. I have managed to drop quite a few pounds since beginning to participate in a structured group.

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

My scar is approximately 6 inches long. About half of it is a fine line while the other half is raised and red. My scar is not quite 5 months old so it will continue to change. Im very pleased with the way my scar has turned out, it is much better than I expected. I did not have a drain so I just have the one scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Im not sure you could really call them plateaus. I have lost 95 pounds in almost 5 months. Twice now I have experienced 2 to 3 week periods where the actual weight loss stopped; however, I continued to lose inches. I think my body just needed time to catch up with the loss. **Update** I'm almost 5 1/2 years post-op now and I have lost a total of 190 pounds. I lost 160 pounts by my second year and maintained that weight until around the 4th year when I gained 20 pounds. I got back into a support group with structure and have successfully lost the 20 pound regain plus an additional 30 pounds.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes!! Of course I have also noticed that I treat myself different as well. I carry myself with more comfort and confidence. Shouldnt it make perfect sense that people will treat me better if I treat myself better?