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

When the hospital that I work at put notices out that they were have info sessions about the new program. My first thoughts were that there was no way that I would do something like that. I kinda thought that it was the easy way out too.

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

I didn't really have any issues with the insurance approving and paying for the procedure. 2006 was the first year that they offered that benefit, it took alot of testing and about 6 months from beginning to the actual surgery date

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

The first visit with my surgeon was awesome. He was very straight forward with everything that I should expect for results and even with all scenarios that could possibly go wrong. Everyone should make a list of questions and be sure to ask them. Take someone with you, because they may ask questions that you don't think of. Make sure you leave your appointment with your questions answered

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew that I needed to do something about my weight. I was having a hard time with joint pain and walking, breathing (asthma) was getting worse and I just didn't like myself. Seeing a picture of me from vacation was what really got me motivated, I couldn't believe that I was looking at me and my kids couldn't either.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My insurance would only cover the open Roux-en-y at the hosptial where I work.

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 with any surgical procedure there are risks involved. I tried to focus on the benefits of the surgery instead of the risks. Since I am of fair complexion, I was told that I would be at a higher risk for complications. I did develop a wound infection that took 6 weeks to heal. At 7 weeks post-op I developed a bowel obstruction and had emergency surgery. I have recovered very well from everything and I can honestly tell you that being asked multiple times "Would I do it again?" Yes I would do it again without any hesitation

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 family and friends were very mixed in their opinions and feelings. Some were very supportive and others pretended to be. I pretty much let them all know that I was doing this for me and I wanted them to respect that. Many told me that I wasn't overweight and didn't need the surgery. Now that I have had the surgery and have lost weight, they are changing their opinions. When I show them pix they are shocked that I was so large, because they didn't see me as overweight, they just saw me as a person that they cared about.

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

My supervisors didn't think that I needed weightloss surgery (I tended to carry my weight well distributed) nobody could have guessed that I weighed almost 300 pounds. When people asked and that's what I told them they were shocked. I was off work for 3 weeks and then another 3 weeks after the bowel obstruction surgery.

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

My stay in the hospital could have been better. I was the first patient to have the surgery at the hosptial, so I guess they were unsure of alot of things. Since then alot of things have changed and people are doing better. I had surgery on Tuesday and went home on Friday. The most important thing for a women to bring (that is having the open procedure) is a tank top as a bra rubs at the top of the incision.

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

I developed a wound infection that required daily packing. Once that was healed I developed a bowel obstruction which required emergency surgery to correct. I also had some issues with nausea toward alot of foods. I tried to focus on the visible weightloss and not on the problems that I was having. You just kinda deal with it one day at a time and move on. Try to keep everything positive and focus on the new life that is coming

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

Since I was going to be the first with this surgeon and at this hosptial of course I was nervous, but I kept focused on the final outcome. I felt very comfortable with my surgeon and would trust him with any surgical procedure that I needed. I think that helped to reduce my anxiety alot.

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

I was very sore after the surgery. Alot of people swear by having a recliner to sleep in, because it isn't very easy to get in and out of a flat bed. My kids were wonderful, I didn't have any appetite and had to set an eating schedule for myself to remember to eat and drink.

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

I live only a couple miles from the hospital, I was so glad on the way home too. Even though they try to miss the bumps and potholes, it sure seems that they hit them all when you are hurting and just want to go home. My after care wasn't affected 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.

I was on a liquid diet for 2 weeks post op, then pureed (to liquid) foods. I drank alot of smoothies with added protein powder to be able to get my required 60grams of protein daily. I haven't been able to eat speghetti until recently (9months post-op) When foods don't agree with me I don't try them again for a few months. I tend to stick to Carnation Instant breakfast, Cottage Cheese w/fruit or tomatoes, and a light dinner with a couple healthy snacks in between. I did find that things that I didn't like before surgery, ie...spicy foods, onions, etc... were appealing after surgery and things that I did like prior to the surgery I had no taste for after. No caffeine, sugar, carbonated beverages or alcohol and I don't miss it

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

I started a walking regime presurgery and about 4-6 post surgery I was able to begin again. I was back up to 2 mile walks within a matter of weeks (after my 6week release) I also changed from a desk job to a walking/on my feet all day position, because I wanted to be so much more active after the surgery.

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

I take 2 Centrum chewables daily, a Vitamin B12 daily, Iron daily, Caltrate plus D 5 times daily and a supplement powder daily (that I choose to take) When needed I still use the protein powder in a smoothie if I feel I'm not getting enough daily

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 have experienced quite abit of nausea with different things, we decided it was due to food aversion, I was able to use compazine to help get through it. I am now 9 months post-op and still have some nausea occasionally. I have experienced hair loss, but it is regrowing (it takes time) again 9 months post-op and still notice some hairloss. Just talk to your nutrionist and see what additional vitamins/minerals, etc.. that you could add. Eat more protein too

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

I would have to say the pain and recovery process

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

For the first 8 months I attended support group weekly, now the group meets everyother week so that is what I attend now. I find it very helpful and notice the difference if I don't go. I made a committment to this lifestyle change and I am going to see it through

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

My scar is from my Xyphoid process to my bellybutton, it is wider than normal now because of my emergency surgery (they opened me in the same area, plus around my belly button) It's fading and not that bad really

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

At 9 months post-op I think that I am at a plateu right now, I am less than 10 pounds from my goal weight and it doesn't seem to want to let it go. I am reducing my carb intake and increasing my exercise and hopefully it will pick up again

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice a big difference in the way that I am treated. It is kinda disappointing and kinda wonderful all at the same time. I do like that attention that I am getting now, but at the same time I feel bad for all the other overweight people out there, because I know that I am the same person I was then and that the weight made all the difference in the world as to how I was treated.