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

I was teaching a Nutrition class and one of my students told me that she had gastric surgery 4 years prior. She looked great. I always thought it was extremely dangerous and of course the very last resort. After research, I realized that this surgery is getting more common. The personal files go on and on. It's unbelievable how many people just like me are using this tool to get their weight under control.

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

self pay.....

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

I found Dr.Champion to be very informative and professional. I felt at ease discussing the surgery and asking questions. Dr.Champion took alot of time answering my questions and even provided visual aids to actually show what would take place during the surgery. To get the most out of your initial visit with the Doctor, you should take alot of time writing down and thinking through, everything you may be in question of, about this surgery. Ask about the actual surgery. What would cause the surgery to go from a laproscopic proceedure to an open ? How long of a hospital stay is average? What can you expect to see physically within the first month through first year? ETC....

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Failing again to stay on a diet. Seeing my health going down hill fast. Having my weight control my life instead of me being in control.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading anything and everything I could get my hands on about these proceedures.

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?

Of course, I'm scared but,I do feel as if I have weighed the good with the bad. I feel that I have done my homework and am ready to take this step to better my life. I do realize that some people experience symptoms such as nausea, malnutrition, hair loss, etc... but high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer are more frightening than these possible symptoms would ever be. Many, many people have very little problems, if any, after their surgery. I feel that making this decision now, before any real health problem arise, is the intelligent thing to do.

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 family is the most wonderful support group that I could ever have. They have been behind this decision since day 1. Some people are shocked when I tell them of my plans for surgery. They are mostly concerned because of their lack of knowledege in bariatrics. These surgeries are done with such regularity now, that many people I talk to, have a friend or relative who have also chosen this path to weightloss. My surgery is right around the bend. I'll come back later and share more.

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

Northside Cheerokee Hospital in Canton, Georgia was the best experience I'd ever had with a hospital. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I felt at ease because of the staff's professionalism. The nurses and staff members see alot of Dr.Champions patients come through their doors. They have very high standards and treat the patients with kindness and respect. I went in on Thursday for my blood work and x-rays but did not stay the night. I was told to return to the hospital the next day for surgery. Friday afternoon I had surgery and Sunday morning I was headed back home. I was glad that I brought a nice long robe and cozy slippers for my stay. I walked the halls alot. I was also glad that I had brought a book to read. Watching television got old fast!

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

None!!! I was up and walking about an hour after I woke up from the surgery. I felt wonderful. I never had to ask for pain medication during my stay. I was concerned about stomach pain but never felt more than a little sore and bloated. The more I walked, the better I felt.

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 so excited about finally getting a date. I had started attending WLS support group meetings after I had made my initial decision to have surgery. Going to these meetings helped time to fly by. Listening to everyone discuss their surgeries and what they have experienced also helped.I kept really busy while I waited for my date to arrive.

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

I felt sore as I thought I would. After four days of chicken broth and sugar free jello I was getting bored with the liquid diet. My stomach felt as if it was trying to move back to its original position everytime I moved. I felt alot of gas pain immediately after surgery but with excercise,this subsidded quickly. I feel so good that I have to be very careful not to overdue it. Of course I know not to lift anything but it's hard to remember that I just had major surgery. I just feel tired and a little sore around the incisions. You can expect to feel better and better each day. The gas pains adventually, gradually disappear. You need to make sure that you stay on your eating schedule. I have done very well with this . I also know how important exercise is, so I try to walk at least 25 to 30 minutes everyday. Don't forget to drink your water or whatever. I was light headed once or twice and called the doctor's office. They told me to increase my fluids and sure enough, I have been fine ever since.

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

I had to drive 3-1/2 hours to the hospital. The ride home was not very bad at all. I was really concerned that I would be in pain but never had any discomfort. I think having my pillows from home on either side of me in the car helped alot. I also had to let the back of my seat down some to keep my incisions from being pressed on.

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 have been able to enjoy my favorite hot cereals each morning such as cream of wheat and oatmeal. I was worried about drinking milk but have not had any problems with skim milk. I have tried alot of different foods such as:milk,bread,onions,vegetables,fish,chicken(in soup),juices cheese etc..nothing has given me any problems. I have not tried any beef yet. It is still too soon. At first I could only hold about 4 or 5 tablespoons of broth or jello. Now in my third week, I can eat a snack size jello at one time and about 1 cup of soup. I have also enjoyed diferent flavors of mashed potatoes. I have not tried breads yet. I believe this will really fill me up too fast making it hard for me to ingest the good foods I need to be eating such as proteins and vegetables.

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

Immediately following the surgery I got out of bed and walked the halls. Fifteen minutes at a time at first then gradually building up to a slow walking pace for 20 to 30 minutes. I have felt so good since I've gotten home that I have to make myself sit down and take rest. I have cooked small meals for my family and have tried not to sit on the couch for long periods of time. I feel tired in the late afternoon but not exhausted. Each day I feel that I have more and more energy.

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

I am taking 3 Tums w/Calcium daily along with a Flintstones multi-vitamin daily. I also have been given a 30 day supply of Prilosec to take for my stomach. I drink 3 Carnation Instant Breakfast with skim milk each day. This amount decreases to 2 then down to 1 a day within the first 6 weeks after surgery. I also have increase my intake of water and unsweetened juices each day. I think that because of my lack of hunger I could easily become dehydrated so I have really been careful to watch my intake of liquids daily.

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 have not had any problems since my surgery. I felt nausiated only once and that was because of the effects of the anestesia after the surgery. After that wore off I have never felt this again.

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

The gas caught in my shoulders form the laproscopic surgery was the worst problem I've had. The more I moved around and walked the better I felt. The incisions have itched some but I know this is because of the healing taking place.

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

My family is my number 1 support. My sister and I are having the surgery on the same day, same hsopital, same surgeon. I know we both will be each others support group. I also have attended a couple of support meetings in my local area. The Doctor I have chosen also has a support page. the list for support goes on and on. It is extremely important for people to fell as though they are not the only ones having an experience. To be able to share with others and hear their stories is comforting.

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

I can't believe that these six, half inch "cat scratches" is all I have to show for my surgery. I have been keeping vitamin Ebased lotion on the incisions since the scabs disappeared. Vitamin E has been thought to help reduce scaring on the skin so I am trying this. I feel that within a year post-op the scars will be almost invisible. I really was not very concerned about scaring.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

It has not been long enough for me to experience this yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet but I do expect different treatment. My husband has even made a comment about seeing who starts taking notice and spending more time than before with me and us as a couple. This should really be interesting to see what happens.