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

Through people I knew who had it done. My initial impression was that it "wasn't for me." I went on to lose 100lbs using prescribed Phentermine, but once I went off of it, I gained back 60 lbs and decided it was time to take the step to make my weight loss permanent. I researched WLS and decided the time and my mental/emotional state was right to pursue it.

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

I was lucky to be insured by a company that covered the surgery as long as it was deemed medically necessary. With a BMI at 50, I received approval on the first submission--however, there were many steps to go through first (xrays, ekgs, psychological exam, sleep apnea tests, etc) before I ever got to the approval state (I began the process 1/19/07 and my surgery was 10/30/07)

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

It was brief. To get the most out of it, I suggest writing up a list of questions beforehand--this made our session very productive.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Tired of the constant yo-yoing and decided I needed to make my weight loss permanent.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

For me, because of my weight, I wanted to go with the procedure that historically gave the largest weight loss and in comparing RNY to lapband, I felt RNY best suited my situation. I also hate, hate, hate having a growling stomach and the RNY surgery provides for that whereas lapband I would still have to combat the "growlies". I was also concerned that if I went for the lapband and subsequently had to change insurance carriers that I might get stuck footing the bill for the quarterly fills.

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?

No fears of dying--I kept having post-surgery dreams where I was fine. (My daughter had similar dreams). This was my first-ever surgery and what I would suggest to anyone who is really nervous going in for their procedure is to ask the anesthesiologist (sp?) for Valium in your IV prior to surgery...it does wonders for easing pre-surgery jitters & anxiety! :)

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?

Very supportive! I was expecting a difference reaction and in fact, held off telling my family for a few months early on in the process. When I finally did, they were wonderfully supportive and encouraging. They have been great post-surgery and very sensitive about asking how I feel about them eating around me. I am very blessed.

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

I told my employer I was going out for a surgery--I was not obligated to say for what. He was supportive and even took my laptop away so that I would rest and recuperate! I will be out between 5-6 weeks total.

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

2 day stay in intensive care was great: 2-1 ratio of patients to nurses. Very pleased with support. Next 2 days in regular unit were chaotic--nurse did not get sign-off from dr. to remove catheter so I had to keep it in unnecessarily (even though dr. told me he'd have it removed). Ratio of patients to nurses was 9-1 and nurses overall weren't aware of bariatric restrictions and I kept sending back large pills and requesting liquid forms of medications. Most important thing to bring: I brought my MP3 player and used it for relaxation purposes.

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

Low potassium levels--couldn't leave hospital until they were brought back up with medication. Other than that, no complications. Just very tired from effects of surgery and low calorie intake post-surgery

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

Felt tired mostly. Also, alarmed because originally, my weight jumped up 15 lbs due to water in my system. It dropped within 2 weeks and then I lost another 30 in the first month. My only other anxieties were around getting in enough water to stay hydrated--cold water made my new pouch constrict. I had to learn to drink room temp water (blech).

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

Very tired. Have to push yourself to get up and move around so you can start to rebuild your stamina. Also, the "liquid" period of the recovery phase gets old fast and you have to keep in mind that it passes quickly and just stick with it.

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

The hospital was less than 5 miles away

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.

1. Can't eat salmon - too fatty 2. Can't drink milk in my tea anymore-turns my stomach 3. Can't drink cold water - constricts my pouch 4. Gallbladder was removed so fatty foods in general are tough. Chicken is supposed to be a staple but chicken breast is extremely difficult for me to digest even 4 months post-surgery. My main staples are: Greek strained yogurt, low fat cottage cheese, protein drinks, seafood (sauteed fish, calamri, lobster, clams, crab, etc). I can't tolerate much beef or pork so don't even attempt it anymore.

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

Started out with little walks (1 block) and light housekeeping. You tire easily so have to pace yourself. At 2 months out, I had the stamina to walk 3x weekly on my treadmill for 20-30 minutes. At 3 months I was doing treadmill and curves. At 4 months, I'm doing 40 minutes on treadmill (2 miles) at a time and doing Curves (Cardio and Aerobic)

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

2 Flintstones complete; 1200 calcium & magnesium (Citrical); 1 99mg Potassium; 1 500mg Vit C; 1 600mg Biotin for hair.

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?

No major side effects. Originally suffered mild constipation. Alleviated via medication and once fruits/fiber reintroduced into diet, the problem resolved itself. I can sleep in any possible, very rarely have digestive problems (and avoid the known foods that cause them). Overall, it has been relatively smooth sailing for me.

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

The waiting. I begin the process in Jan 08 and it took until Oct 08 to get the surgery. Many times, it takes years for an individual to decide to go this route and by that time, they are ready for it, only to have to go through a prolonged process to get approved. I understand and agree that the pre-testing is necessary but there has to be a way to shorten the overall start-to-finish wait time that individuals are experiencings. I know many people struggle with insurance approval. My insurer, Amerihealth, was terrific and I was approved with no problem.

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

Weekly nutritional and emotional support group meetings. Extremely helpful to keep nutritional needs front and center and to be able to share journey experiences with others. Keeps it from being an isolated journey.

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

5 tiny incisions. I knew people who'd had the surgery and seen their incisions, so it was what I'd expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

LOL--month 1: 30 lbs; month 2: 12 lbs; month 3: 18 lbs; month 4: 7 lbs. It's picked up again in Month 5 but I seem to drop 10-20lbs, then sit for a spell while my body readjusts, then drop more and readjust again. It's not a steady loss for me.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. But much of that is also due to my increased confidence and positive attitude, not just due to the weight loss. Everyone at work and all my friends/family have been super supportive.