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

I saw a commercial for the Bariatric Treatment Centers and sent for their video and broshure. I had a consult with them, but they were not equipped for my lung problem. Afterwards, I spoke with several people who had had the procedure and seemed to be pleased with it.

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

I must admit there was no problem for me. My surgeon wrote a letter and I was approved within two weeks. Since its only been 5wks since my procedure, I can't say there has been any complications with the insurance.

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

I was very nervous, but had investigated the procedure on my own. I would suggest that anyone considering this drastic move write down all the questions they can think of and ask the physician. After all, you are paying them a handsome if not outrageous fee for their services. Get your money's worth!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I visited my son in Arizona by private train car as I was unable to fit into a plane seat. Of course, the seats on planes are small for even normal sized persons, so its hell for the overweight. I had 55hrs of traveling both ways and was able to think a lot about the pros and cons. The pros won.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was only aware of the RNY. In my area, there is only the open RNY available with talk of laparoscopy down the road.

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 have to say that to continue living as an obese person was not an option, so I took the risk.

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?

They were horrified and tried their best to discourage me. Later, though, they gave me support and help. You must have the support and help or you're not going to be able to get through this. Now after 6mos, my friends and family are very happy for me. I've lost 90pds so far and feel I have a new life!

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

I was not working at the time. My lung condition forced me to quit working in 1997.

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

I was hospitalized for 5days. Now, 6mos later, I realize that I needed a support person with me. The hospital where I had the surgery is experiencing a nurses shortage. That led to problems with pain medication and general lack of basic care. It was disheartening, and inexcusable, so have someone with you to help.

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

I experienced rectal spasms at 4wks out. I have no idea why and neither did the surgeon, but with medication they ended. Vomiting still happens, but after keeping a careful journal I discovered it is due to fluid intake. One really needs to wait the recommended time after drinking fluids in order to eat. And to wait after eating before drinking. I thought I had developed a hernia, but after revisiting the surgeon's office it turned out to be a bone!! Lots of laughs for the office that day. Geez.

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

At the 1wk mark, I was on the deck high-fiving with my husband about having the surgery over. At the 2wk mark, I just had to go to Lowe's to wonder around. Still, I wondered what I had got myself into. At 5wks I drove my mother to a funeral --1200miles round trip and although it wore me out, I wasn't really that effected. The vomiting bothered me, but I wasn't waiting long enough after drinking fluids before eating.

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

I attend a post-op support group for patients of Dr DeBord's group here in Peoria. I wholeheartedly recommend attending a support group. Even little concerns are eased by knowing others are in there with you. I look forward to every one. This is such a major life-change and being able to question/discuss/vent/laugh,etc., is crucial to recovery.

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

Frankly, at first I was alarmed as it extends from breastbone to pelvic bone. Some other people's incisions are just to the belly button, so I don't know why mine was so long. The weight loss has completely overshadowed the scar concerns. Someday maybe I'll have it revised, but right now I could care less. Might even have my belly button pierced and have a zipper-pull put in -HA.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 6mos my weight loss has tapered off, but I'm not going to let that get me down. Its only normal. With continued exercise and careful eating I have no doubt of reaching my goal.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes-cruel remarks from strangers almost kept me house-bound. No longer! My friends and family are happy and supportive and that is the most important thing anyway. Oh, I've received some back-handed compliments from acquaintences, but we all know those kind of people make comments like that to anyone and everyone regardless of weight. A jerk is a jerk is a jerk and there is not much you can do about it except ignore them.