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

I had heard about it when someone from church suddenly became thin and georgeous. I never even considered that it was something I could do. I didnt think insurance would cover it. I became serious about it after the Carnie Wilson surgery and I began to do more research. It was then that I learned the cost and the risks and decided against it. It wasnt until I lost 120 pounds on sugar busters, felt so good, then I "woke up" one day to find that I had gained back seventy pounds! I became serious about this again. I realized that I was not capable to do this on my own.

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 problem getting approval. I filled out the paper work and my surgeons staff submitted everything necessary. I had a letter of aproval within a week of the letter of medical necessity being faxed to anthem.

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

I did not meet my surgeon until the day before my surgery was scheduled with him. I had always dealt with the staff. I was very prepared at this point. I had met with one other weight loss surgeon and done a ton of research. I came armed with a list of questions and I felt no pressure to use this surgeon if he did not meet my expectaions and requirements. I had also researched him and the hospital to make sure that he was board certified had enough experience. I checked out the hospitals JCAOH accreditation. He met all four of his pr-op patients at the same time in a conferance room and spent about 90 minutes going over the procedure and the risks. He then spent another ninety minutes answering our questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had decided I was going to have this surgery when I found a surgeon that I was comfortable with. After my meeting with Dr Hargroder I felt comfortable.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I researched the different procedures and felt that the safest and most effective was the RNY. I felt even better about this decision after reading Barbara Thompson's book

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 was very frightened of dying or having major complications. I even decided not to do it the weekend before I was scheduled. I told everyone I was not doing it. My husband convinced me to at least meet the surgeon. After I met him I felt better. I finally decided that I would take the risk. I still cried continously until they wheeled me to the OR. I felt I would not survive. I didnt feel I deserved it I guess. As I get further along in my journey and things are progressing smoothly, I still worry about having a complication that will kill me, but each week that I am alive my fears get less. I used to read the memorial page 3-4 times a week now I am down to maybe every two weeks. I would tell others that these fears happen to many of us and if we can just get passed them and look at the statistics of this surgery we would realize that we have a much, much, greater chance at surviving and having a better life than of dying.

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

My stay in the hopital was fine. Riverwest has a Bariatric unit so I was with people who were going through what I was. We would get together in the rec room and play cards. I had to stay in the hospital for six days per my surgeons standard of care and I got pretty board. I would suggest bringing magazines, I couldnt focus long enough to read a novel. The other thing that I found invaluable was a calling card. Since I had travelled out of state none of my family or friends could come to see me but I talked on the phone with them alot. I would also suggest, slippers, comfortable loungewear and your own pillow.

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

I didnt have any complications but on day three I was convinced I had a leak. I was having left shoulder pain and diarhea. I had a lap procedure which explained the gas and the diarhea could have come from any number of reasons but I became very upset and my surgeon had them do another leak test to show me that everything was intact which it was!

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 originally got a surgery date that was three months down the road so I hadnt even begun to get anxious. Two weeks later,I got a call that there was a cancellation in three days and would I want that date. I took it. I was like a crazy woman getting ready worrying!

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

I felt very little pain only some soreness. It was a learning time. How much should I eat what should I eat etc..

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

I travelled from Ohio to Lousiana. There is very little aftercare with the surgeon. I had one return visit and I am enrolled in an online aftercare program. I would suggest anyone who is travelling make sure to have a supportive pcp and dietician at 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 soft foods within one week. I could eat any meat as long as I chewed. I could eat any cooked vegitable or soft fruit. At two weeks I had hadded some bread, rice and pasta, only very little but I had not problems. At one month I could eat anything I wanted but milk. I became lactose intolerant. I have not tried more than a bite of anything with sugar as I am afraid of dumping.

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

I began walking at one week post op and have worked my way up to 9-12 miles per week. I had very little energy for the first couple of weeks and could only do light household chores. At Almost twelve weeks, I am back to normal and some things are even easier such as walking up and down the stairs.

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

I take two genaric flintstones complete, sublingual b-12 complex, bioten, and one to three viactiv calcium chews per day. I have tried several protien supplements but I really do not like them.

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?

The only side affect I have had is the diarhea from milk and some nausea when I over eat.

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

The pain the first day after surgery. Learning how much to eat.

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

I have been to one support group meeting, but it was mostly geared toword pre-ops so it wasnt very helpful. I saw a dietician twice and that was somewhat helpful. The most helpful thing has been this website.

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

I have several 1/2 inch scars. They are much less than I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

From week 9 to week eleven I have only lost 0ne pound!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I have noticed some people act a bit annoyed that I dont pig out with them like I used to.