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

I heard about it in 1999 when Carnie Wilson had it done. I always said I'd never have it done because I could lose weight on my own. Boy was I wrong. Thank you Carnie, for making us more aware to this. Wt loss surgery has been around for what i've been told is more than 20yrs but Carnie really made it popular than ever.

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

I had no problems at all. I called my insurance company and asked them what the requirements were for the surgery, they said if the surgeon says I need to have it done for my health, then they would cover it 100%. They did. They paid in full $47,200.00 for my surgery . Call your insurance company 1st before you make an appt with a surgeon to see what they require. They may say, just see the surgeon, a psychiatrist and have it be medically necessary. They could say alot of other things. Be in constant contact with your insurance company and keep on them. I was lucky I had good insurance. Also, contact your surgeon, he and his staff can also help in trying to get you approved if you are declined. I don't mean this to be bad, but keep annoying your insurance company. Tell them they should approve you because it would be better for them to pay for you to get healthy, then to have them pay for all kinds of illnesses that you could get by not having this surgery. It will cost them so much more money if you have major illnesses due to weight than if you hd the surgery. Keep telling them, who knows they may just do it. If you get denied, maybe ask your insurance what you can do to get approved. Some companies require different things before approval. Some require you having to do 6 months consecutively of a diet program 1st, like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. It can't be like Jan, Feb, March, April, May, Juyly, not doing anything in June, they will have you start all over again and that can be a real drag.

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

On the day of my consultation I actually met with a resident and a student for about 1 hr. They did and exam and asked me a few questions then the doctor came in. I asked him a series of about 12 questions regarding the surgery, like how many surgeries has he done, the outcome for after the surgery and for the future, any complications, what can I expect from the surgery. I found the questions on some bariatric web site and he was thorough in answering them and making me feel more at ease. Go to the meeting prepared to ask questions and take alot of notes. It's better to be over prepared than under. The more you know going in the better and easier it will be for both of you.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I found a few Bariatric websites one night in August, 2005, I read them and at t that moment I said to myself I want and need to have this done, while I'm still young engough to do it. It tooke me all of 3 hrs to say I want it. I also think Carnie Wilson had alot to do with it. I was about her size and I said if this famous person can have it done and be a good example for the rest of us, then I as a not famous person can have it as well. She is, I believe the poster child for Bariatric Surgery, after she had it alot of other celebrities had it done. We everyday not so famous could have it done as well with the same gerat results.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was originally going to have Open RNY. I was advised to attend a pre-op meeeting that talks about the different types of surgery that the hospital did. There is a different surgeon every other week at these meetings that talk about the surgery. I originally was going to have the Open RNY, until I went the the meeting. I found out that at the hospital they do 3 kinds of surgery, Lap Band, Open RNY and Lap RNY. The doctor that spoke at the meeting that evening does all 3 types. The doctor I was booked with only did the Open RNY. After the meeting I said I want to have the Lap RNY. I didn't want the band, as I didn't want to go back monthly to have an adjustment or to see how it is doing and I had more than 100lbs to lose. I decided that I didn't want Open RNY as there is a longer recovery period. I then said I wanted to have the Lap RNY. I liked the idea of it and thought I can live with a few incision marks as oppsed to a big 6-8" one. I called the surgeons office the next day and said I would like to have the LAP RNY and that I felt that it would be better for me. I had to switch doctors. The doctor that spoke the night before at the meeting was the surgeon who did my surgery, he's also Chief of Bariatrics.

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?

Like most people the fear of dying did cross my mind for a bit until I found this website and my fears were put to rest. I chatted online with alot of people who had the surgery and mad me feel more comfortable and less weorrysome about having it done. I didn't even think of the complications. If it happened, then so be it. I went into the surgery without any worries and woke up and said I made it and I will be fine. I would say to anyone who has fears about having it done, is that they shouldt talk to as many people that they can who had this done and let them reassure you that there is nothing to worry about, and go in having a positive attitude. Also, read up on having it done as well. I made up my mind in 1 night to have it done and 6 weeks later I did it. learn as much as you can

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 mom to this day, almost 1yr after I had it done still wishes I didn't do it. She believes in the eat food, exercise type of wt loss. She won't admit it but deep down I think she is happy. My husband was very supportive and said if it's what I want then go for it. My mother-in-law was the same way. My father said what ever I wanted to do was fine by him. I would have told my husband that I was thinking of having it done alot sooner than I did. I told him 4 weeks before my surgery that I was having it done. My whole family and all my friends say what a difference this had made in my life and that they are glad I had it done. They are all still so supportive

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

I wasn't working so it had no impact on me.

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

My stay was great. I had my own room. I wasn't expecting that. The nurses were wonderful and very caring and were reasdily available when needed. I was in for 5 days only because I had taken a shower on day 3 and one of the incisions wasn't healed properly and some blood was leaking from the incision. The doctor wanted to do a cat scan to make sure everything was fine. The only bad thing was it took 2 more days before they read it and said I was ok to go. The only bad thing was I had to spend my 5th wedding anniversary there. The most important things to bring are: chapstick( your lips get very dry), slippers, pj's, your own pillow and some things to read, there is only so much tv you can watch, some hand lotion and the most important thing to bring is a good attitude.

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

I had no complications at all.

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 felt a bit tired and sore but it subsided. The only thing I had to cope with was to remember to take my meds. All my meds had to be either in liquid form, chewbles or capsules that can be broken open and poured into things or crushed. I had panic/anxiety attacks before surgery and was taking medication for it. I coped fine with the surgery and had no anxiety regarding surgery.

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

I had a pretty easy time being home the 1st few weeks. I had the liquid diet to follow for the 1st month. Then after that I was able to eat 2 oz of real food a few times a day. It got better as time went on. The biggest thing is that all the food you eat has to be chewed until there is almost nothing left. My jaw hurt for weeks. It still does at times You just have to take it slow the 1st few weeks.

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

I traveled about 20 miles from my home.

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 was on the liquid protein diet for the 1st month, then for the next month I could only do 2 oz of protein 5x's a day and liquids. I was given a booklet of foods that should be eaten for the 1st few weeks and months. I was told not to eat pizza as it can be hard to digest. I had to wait 6 months before I could eat shellfish as it is tough to chew and swallow. Alot of raw fruits and veggies as well. I still don't eat pizza. I tried a variety of things to eat according to my food booklet. I'm not a good one at trying to get in all the protein and liquids that you are supposed to do. I get full easy and can't comsume it all. I'm afraid I'll gain the weight back. I still have a hard time eating some cereals. I will get a tummy ache after eating some kinds and still end up in the bathroom. I can't do milk as I have IBS. . I used to love white meat chicken. I can't eat it anymore as it is more tough and dry to eat. I eat dark meat. It's easier to chew. I can't eat alot like I would in the past. If I even eat one thing more than I should I don't feel good . You can't drink liquids with meals as there isn't enough room in your new pouch to hold it all. I'm not eating all that I should be and am getting dizzy becuase of it.

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

I had more energy to do things and I felt alot better. I joined Curves before surgery and couldn't do alot of the things ther. Now I go and I don't want to leave .

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

I take 1200 grams of Calcium Citrate/Carbonate chewables from GNC. I take chewable iron tablets 2 chewable multi-vitamins a day- have 75 different kinds of herbs and natural ingredients in them 1 pro-biotix

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 still have hair loss as I'm still not getting in enough protein. At times I still get nausea and dumping if something that I eat doesn't agree with me. I get dizzy if I don't eat enough. And I get bloated if I drink liquids and try to eat a few hrs later. Sometimes if I get chest pain because I eat too fast and don't chew because I am hungry I try to make myself vomit and I feel better as the food can get stuck and casuse me chest pain

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

Nothing at all

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

There are support groups, but I haven't gone to any. Work has consumed my time. I will plan on going to some very soon

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

I have small incisions that are barely noticeable

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't had any

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really. I just get alot of compliments as to how great I look