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

I had a patient who had this surgery and did very poor with it. She was not the ideal patient though and now I know that. She almost died with the complications in 1998.

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

It was very difficult to get approval. You would think the people you deal with at the Insurance Co. would be helpful and know what they are doing, well.... wrong. You have to do everything many times over to receive your approval per Insurance guidelines. I guess, it takes a lot of time and patience with the Insurance Co.

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

It was nice to be able to ask quesions freely. I was very nervous with the one on one consultation. I was not sure if I would go through with it or not.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Support from a few close friends and the conclusion that I was getting heavier every day.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didnt really decide, I left some of the decision up to the surgeon.

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?

Fears- I was affraid that I would die possibly. I hoped that all would go well, but one never knows. I just hoped I did well through it all. I would tell others to expect even the worst. I had major complications from the surgery and people need to know that there are a lot of complications that could happen.

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 concerned with the decision. No, I dont think so because I didnt tell many people before surgery. Only those on a need to know basis. My family and friends were extremely supportive.

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

Supportive with the choice. I told them the surgery time and day. I planned to only be off work 3 weeks but was off over 2 months.

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

It was good because my mother stayed with me all but 1 day in the hospital and my husband stayed a week with me also. I was in for 13 days. Bring your essentials. They provide the night gown and socks. I needed a robe and that is important. You are walking and seeing lots of people outside the room and you should have a robe.

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

I had one major complication. Rhabdomyolysis. I delt with it to the best of my ability. I had a lot of problems and needed my family to stay with me to help me bath, dress, walk etc.

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

Very excited and gitty!!! Nervous too. Just talked a lot with the few people who knew I would have the procedure and with a Psycologist. It was very necessary.

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

It was difficult for me. I was very dependant on my family to help me with everything. Everyones needs are different so I thing that support and love is what one needs most of all. Most people do quit well and note that it takes time to get back into the swing of things.

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

over 100 miles. About 1 1/2 hour drive. It affected my aftercare in the sence that my family took time off work to take me because I was unable to drive.

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.

Soft foods, Protein foods, pudding, jello, apple sauce, cream soups, protein shakes, lots of fluids excluding the sugars. Off limits to me were fast foods, candy, pizza and chocolate which were a trigger food for me. I still have dairy intolerance. It does change so the sugars are what cause me the dumping syndrome earlier on. Some sugar does not bother me now.

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

Poor because of my complications. I slept a lot.

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

Vit. B 12, Multi vit., calcium.

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?

Nausea and vomiting were bad for me. I had 5 endoscopic procedures because my stomach opening kept closing up. Dumping syndrome only a couple of times, you learn after a while... Hair loss now is not bad, but I notice it right after a shower. Coping better all the time. The fact that others here at OH are supportive and can offer a lot of advice.

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

The complication of Rhabdomyolysis and the stomach opening would narrow causing me to be extremely sick and have 5 endoscopic procedures.

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

I go to 2 support groups specifically for the surgery. Very helpful and much needed. You need support of others who have been through the same thing.

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

I dont really mind the scars but they are several (6) small slits across the tummy area and one large 6 inch slit. I never gave it a thought before surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At around 120 lbs. It started to slow some. I lost so much so quick and now I have incorporated water aerobics and soon to start a work out class and I hope the wt. loss continues.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Just that they are so happy for me. That is all so far.