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

As I indicated earlier, I took care of GBG patients for years in the ICU, then had many co-workers who had the surgery done.

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

Actually, the approval process went very smoothly and quickly for me. I was anticipating a battle and when the approval came within 2 weeks of the request, I was floored....and unprepared. I scheduled my surgery for 6 months after I received the approval.

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

As a nurse, I had a long list of questions for the surgeon. To my surprise, he anticipated all of my questions and gave a 4hr long presentation on the surgery and associated complications and post-op recovery information.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to carry out my everyday life. Things as simple as carrying a load of laundry up the steps were so difficult. I found that I was not enjoying life and really worried that my weight would cause more serious health problems.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The surgeon I chose only does the Open RNY. And because the complication rates and associated weight loss were greater for the RNY I didn't pursue other avenues.

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?

As a medical professional, I was well aware of the risks associated with the surgery but I was also aware that similar risks are associated with ANY kind of surgery. To me, the risks of not having surgery and not losing weight were greater than the risk of having the surgery.

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?

I had mentioned to my husband that a few of my coworkers had the surgery and were seeing good results. He said that having surgery was the easy way out and that there was no reason that I could not lose weight by diet and exercise. A year later, I had made the decision to contact a surgeon and start the approval process. I purposely did not tell my husband until I received the approval. When I told him of the decision that I had made, he told me that if I had the surgery, he would leave me. At that point, my mind was made up and I told him that if he would leave me for such a reason, then he should just go. Needless to say, I had the surgery anyway, he has not left and is actually coming around.

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

I actually started a new job 2 months before my surgery. As part of my job, I educate nurses on bariatrics. When I told my employer that I was already scheduled to have the procedure, they were VERY supportive. I have been able to expand my role somewhat as a Bariatric Subject Matter Expert.

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

My hospital stay was miserable. Being a short person (5'1"), I found it very difficult to get in and out of bed. So much so, that I didn't walk as much as I should have. I did not tell the hospital staff that I was a nurse and found it quite amazing that not one nurse bothered to examine my back or listen to lung sounds from the back. No one ever tried to help me stand up or position myself. I guess they were worried about hurting themselves. Makes me wonder how people weighing more than 300 pounds are treated.

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

None. My incision did begin draining 2-3 weeks post-op but the lesion was very small and easily managed. Was told this is normal.

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 had my surgery scheduled for 6 months after I was approved. I did not have any fear until the week before surgery. I noticed that I was more emotional that week and a couple of days before surgery, became downright depressed. I guess I was grieving the loss of food as a coping mechanism.

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

I did not expect to be so weak. I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks and by the end of that period, I just wanted something of substance in my mouth. My surgeon recommended frequent walks and trying to introduce exercise during this period, but I was just too tired! I went back to work after 3 weeks and felt that the initial post-op period was the only time I had to rest and recuperate.

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

65 miles. Did not affect aftercare at all.

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.

Initially, clear liquids for 2 weeks. Then full liquids for 1 week. By week four, I was on soft/pureed foods and week 5 began regular food and taking vitamins. Breads and some pastas are off-limits (get stuck), otherwise no adverse reactions from foods. At 5 months post-op, I'm trying to get in more protein and less carbs...my surgeon did not recommend protein supplementation.

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

I felt like I had been run over by a train for the first 5 weeks. Ironically, at 5 weeks I was able to eat regular foods and take vitamins and I believed that is what turned it around.

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

I take 2 Flinstone's chewables and 2 Viactiv calcium chews per day.

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 hair loss is the worst for me. I continue to lose a great deal of hair everyday. I have only dumped a couple of times and have only vomitted a few times...mostly from eating the wrong kinds of foods.

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

The fatigue in the immediate post-op phase. I was not prepared to be that tired and weak.

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

I do not attend a support group. There is not one in my area. I do go online to AMOS and read the posts and Q&A boards but have never posted to the msg board.

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

My scar is about 5 inches long. Exactly what I expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I am 5 months post-op and am in the midst of my first big plateau. I have lost 81 pounds and 49 inches. Last month, I only lost 3 pounds but had lost 13 inches in one month. I'm trying not to let it get me down.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

ABSOLUTELY! I don't feel that I act any differently but I have noticed that people are more abt to stop and talk to me since I have lost weight.