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

Heard about it for years. I always thought of it was something for other people. People who were weaker and wanted an easy way out....was I wrong. Without doubt it is the best choice I have ever made...I have lost 105Lbs in the 1st six months since surgery. My health has greatly improved and I am finely free of the sugar addiction. I no longer have high blood pressure, I am being weened off insulin and I have never felt better both mentally or physically. I have been transformed and I am reinventing my self and I believe I can do anything I choose. Life is Good! Just 167 to go and for the first time in my life I really Believe I can accomplish this goal.

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

It was not as bad as I thought. However, I was prepared to fight all the way and had investigated the law and contacting an Attorney that speciliazes in dealing woth stubborn Insurance companies. My advise is be well informed, assume nothing, and be prepared for the worst.

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

I liked him from the seminar he conducted and this was the 3rd seminar i had attended. He was also the 4th Doctor I had interviewd as a possible Surgeon to do my surgery. I came to the meeting with a total of 15-20 questions and concerns that I had carefully thought about and were important to me. I had checked each off as he answered them, then at home I reviewd the answers and made my final decision.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

For me I did really try everything else first. I held out until 4 Drs. recommended this and my health was in the danger zone, I realized I was out of options. I really did my home work and decided on the surgery with my eyes wide open, and very well informed.....there have been no suprises or regrets.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Originaly I was sure I wanted the Duodanal switch and was sure I did not want the Rue N Y. Again after much more reading and the stats from the AMA I came to see the sense of the Rue N Y. With DS you get a moch bigger pouch that streches over time, but the rest of your stomach is removed....did not like this idea. So once I decided on the smaller pouch 4-6 oz capacity over time and better absorbtion, I had to find what kind and shape each surgeon did. Yes there is not a standard blueprint they all follow. Mine is not egg shape at all but a tubular shape and smaller....the idea it will hold its shape longer and will last longer. it also empties more normally and is more resistant to eating to fast. Trust me I am healthier then I have been in years and I am not starving to death. My recent blood work says so.

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?

Once you have made your decision, stay away from negative people and other influences. A week before surgery I read about 2 ladies that died from complications after surgery in the same week om this web site. I allowed myself to be drawn in by the comments and all the sadness. I came to realize that any time I had heard or read about someone dying in a terrible car accident did it stop me from driving my car. I had no knowledge of their medical histories or anything about their health. I had to get a grip and put my sympathy for them in perspective. It is not easy.....but you have to.

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 2 sister's and Mother were not. Both siblings are overweight as well. Fortunatly I did not let their negativity stop me. Still today they avoid talking about the choice I made. I beleive this is their problem , It is not mine.

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

I had my surgery at Good Samaritian in Phoenix. I can not begin to say enough about the staff of caring professionals. They treated me with true caring and respect and encouragement every step of the way. They made me feel I was their only patient. I can't tell you how this help in the days following surgery. You think OMG what have I done! When you get your first meal...a thimble full of somthing you can't identify....they say its pureed chicken but you have your doubts. Next.... time to go home and your now on your own. You'll be fine ...just remember baby steps.

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

Yes 24 hours after surgery I had complete kidney failure and was taken back to the OR, but they did not have to do any exploratory because they put a catheter in my neck and flooded me with fluids and put me in intesive care for 4 days. They decided this was caused from an enzyme that got into the kidneys and caused a problem. I have had no long lasting effects, my kidneys are fine. I was returned to a regular room on my 6th day and stayed another 3. The only bad thing is when I got to my room and looked in the mirror at my face and took a good look at my arms and hands...I demanded a scale. I looked like a blow-up doll. I had gaind 16 lbs!!!! Now tell me who have you ever heard of going in for Bariatric surgery and comes out 16Lbs.heavier. Fortunatly I lost this in about a week and Have never looked back!My best advise is Keep your sense humor and become a believe.

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 am not a very patient person...so it was hard. As the day drew closer I was a little scared...but I was really sure this was going to save my life and was the right thing to do. In the end I gave all my fear up to God and trusted in God and my Surgeon. Neither one failed me.

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

Since everyoneis different...it will be different. But generally it is the time of ajustments and learning. Pay attention to your home instructions from your doctor..it sets the tone for your future. Learn to pay attention to the signals from your new anatomy... if you learn well then it will serve you well the rest of your new life. Take things slow...it will all come back. Enjoy the freedom from food addiction..embrass excersise and getting out because now you can. Smell the roses...just because they're there for you to enjoy.

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

Not far.

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.

In the beginning, 1st 2-4 weeks stayed on pureeded and blended foods. Then I was given the OK to start adding whole foods. It has been a trial and error, even today. I still can't eat chicken, but I can eat most fish and very fine beef...meatloaf for example. I am not ready for steak yet. I eat ham sometimes. If i slip back to my old habits and eat to fast....I throw-up for sure. The food backs up and causes severe pain in my chest and triggers the gag relex and up it comes. So take it really slow and chew chew chew. I eat most vegtables and fruits and look fo high protien additions and low carbs. I can't drik another high protin drink so I have atkins hi protien cereal and Hoods low fat Milk which gives me 25mg of protien per serv. This also is more normal breakfast to me. I add a 1/2 a small bannana to round it off.

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

Terrible. I was incapacitated for over a month. I could not stay awake. I could bearly walk...I did come home with a catheter and had to be put on oxygin at home for a couple of months. In the 5th week things started to get a lot better and have been soaring ever since. Remember the very worse thing that can happen to you .....is to do nothing at all!

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

I have been religious about taking a multi-Vit, a Vit.C and a Tums.

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 started to loose hair around the 4th month post op. I stopped taking the protien supplement drink and paid the price...I was not eating enough to get what I needed from food alone. I have since found alternatives and my hair is back in ...this is a temporary condition.

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

There really has not been a worst part of the process. It has all been a positive experience to be sure. Even the rocky parts served as a learning tool. The feeling of excitment and well being out weigh any temporary difficulties.

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

Highly recommend this as a tool for your sucsess. Many questions arise and you will need help with food and dietary needs. Who better To help then a group of your new peers. Eventially you will be able to give back and contribute your expertise as you become a pro at using your new tool.

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

Actually better. I had laporisopy...it has really faded.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had one a few weeks ago that lasted for 3 weeks and was most irratating. Then suddenly I lost 6 lbs. about 2 months ago I decided to keep a daily journal for food I ate and excersie and liquids. This allowed me to look back and check during more consistant loosing. I have come to believe plateau's are just part of the process. I have actually gained a lb or 2 just before I drop 5-7 lbs following a plateau. Just hang in there...it will go eventially.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

People are very supportive and happy for my new life. I am very open about telling strangers like resturant servers about my food needs. This always leads to questions I am happy to anwser. Everyone to date has been wonderful and willing to help.