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

I knew some people at work that had either the "stomach stapling" or the old gastric bypass. I also knew some of those who had the lap band surgery. My brother had lap band and seemed to have success with it so I did a little research on-line and then called my insurance company to find out if it was covered. Even though I was very skeptical about keeping the weight off because so many people have regained it, I decided that the bypass was a better choice for me.

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

I didn't have a lot of trouble because I have Medicare as a primary insurance. My secondary insurance was the problem but I found out that if your primary pays, then your secondary has to pay as well. I would fight with the insurance company to get this surgery covered. It is truly a life-saving procedure and I would argue that it will cost them more in the long run to cover weight-related care whereas weight reduction surgery eliminates a lot of the need for care such as diabetes, hypertion, sleep apnea, etc.

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

I attended a workshop that was run by one of the surgeons and got a lot of answers there. The next step was to obtain my medical records and meet with a nutritionist and attend 6 weeks of binge eating classes. After these tasks were completed, I then had to have a few sessions with a psychologist because I am bipolar and I was also a smoker. My surgeon wanted to make sure that I was stable and I had to quit smoking (which I did). I was then able to meet with my surgeon and had pre-testing done, and when cleared, was able to schedule a surgical date.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had kidney surgery when I was young and was told by my nephrologist at that time that I must keep my weight off because it would affect me later on in life and I might not survive my later years. I also learned that I had Systemic Lupus and each time I had prednisone therapy, I would gain even more weight. When I went into remission, I then called to attend the workshop because at that time, I had autoimmune hepatitis, SLE, Hypertension, IBS, and sleep apnea. I knew I had to do something.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I discussed this with my surgeon as I was having a really hard time deciding which surgery was the best for me. The people I knew that had the lap band procedure gained weight back although I do know that they didn't adhere to the program. I just felt that the bypass would be a good choice for me even though I knew it was a tool for life.

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 any fears, as a matter of fact, my surgeon was surprised that my BP was normal before surgery started. My complications started after surgery. You will experience nausea, some people more than others. In my case, I was so nauseated that I couldn't even swallow enough water to take my meds. I ended up in the hospital 3 times the first two months post surgical because of dehydration. I was also admitted for an inflamed diaphram. It was my understanding that it sometimes is a problem post surgery, but a rare one. When I finally got on my feet (about 3 months later), I started to feel much better. There were not a lot of foods I could eat because of persistent nausea but I was able to avoid the ones I couldn't and still eat what I was supposed to so I could get enough protein. I was never afraid to go to surgery. I always thought that I was in good hands and the mortality rate for obesity is much higher than the rate for bariatric surgery. Don't listen to tales. Go directly to the professionals that are going to take care of you.

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 okay even though I had a lot of pain. I was an inpatient for 5 days. I brought a robe with me and sock slippers because I knew I would be getting booted out of bed the next day and body lotion too.

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

As stated in survey I, I did have complications with severe nausea and pain that was later found to be from an inflamed diaphragm. I had to go back to the hospital to get treatment. By the third hospitalization, I was getting irritated and frustrated because even though my surgery went well, I had these complications that I thought would never be resolved. I guess it's pretty rare for this to happen. Once I was reassured that my nausea and pain would go away eventually, I was a little bit better mentally and was able to tolerate my difficulties a little better knowing that I would eventually get rid of the side effects.

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 happy and never felt any anxiety. It was torture to wait to be admitted but I was never afraid because I felt I was in competent hands.

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

I was fairly miserable which is a rare thing to happen but under normal circumtances, and seeing other family members recuperate from this, I found that they did well, that their nausea was short-lived and that they felt much better in a few weeks postoperatively.

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

I traveled 60 miles one-way. It was fine for me but my husband couldn't come to visit because of the distance and the lack of parking for visitors. It was okay with me because this wasn't the first time this had happened and I am the kind of person that just wants to be left alone, so we both knew it was okay.

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 went from not being able to tolerate anything post-operatively for approx 2 months to being able to tolerate only a few things such as pudding, broths, tea, and soft boiled eggs. After that, I decided to start to introduce a few more foods such as salad, heartier soups, and soft vegetables. At this point (about 3 months post-op) I could eat a little more. I was about 9 months post-surgical when I knew what I should avoid and what I can tolerate. The foods I cannot tolerate and maybe never will are some beef products such as steaks and roasts although I can eat a hamburger if it is lean. I cannot eat lamb, some vegetables and cannot tolerate anything really fatty even things like dark turkey meat. I stay away from most desserts because the sugar in them makes me sick. I can eat sugar free products though. I don't drink as much coffee because it gives me heartburn. I have tried to drink carbonated beverages but they give me a stomachache

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

I started walking when I finally started feeling better but only for short distances. The stronger I got, the faster and longer I walked. I recd a Wii on my birthday this year and I find it fun to exercise. The Wii fit is just a tremendous tool. I do at least an hour of brisk walking on the Wii every morning and if I find time in the afternoon, I take my dogs for a walk as well. These are things I never would have done before but I have a lot of energy since I lost weight.

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

All that were recommended. Calcium, sublingual B12, Vit D, Zinc, multivitamin, and Vit C. I also take fish oil three times a day with the calcium.

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

I joined a local OH group and I find it to be informative and inspiring as well. I didn't go for awhile and found that I really did need the support to stay on track.

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

LOL. I had 5 laproscopic scars that were intially around the upper abdomen (for me) and since I have lost weight, they are now in the lower abdomen and have healed so well that they are becoming invisible (2 yrs out now). It is better than what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right now. I probably have lost all the weight my body wants to and the last 6 months was slow going. But I would still like to get to a BMI of 24 (mine is 26 right now).

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. I don't get snide remarks when I go somewhere. I don't have to wait a very long time to get waited on in stores when I need help. People smile at me instead of ignoring me and now, most importantly, even though my husband never nagged me about being so obese, I think that he feels a little better about going to parties, etc. with me and my kids seem to be a little more respectful too.