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

I'm not sure how I found out about it. My first impression was that I was not that overweight but then I realized that I needed more help than just a diet.

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

I did a lot of research on the internet. I tried to gather all my information prior to my first appointment. I was truely HONEST about my health survey (sometimes I wish I hadn't been quite so forth comming) my honesty created a lot of delays -- I am healthy with no medical problems but by indicating that I took phen phen caused a cardiologist referal from HELL. I ended up having my primary physician order the required echocardiogram. The cardiologist wanted to put me in the hospital for a two day stress test-- (my insurance would have covered it). I was firm in the fact that I had had a yearly normal ekg for the past five years and I was confident that there was nothing wrong with my heart. The echocardiogram indicated normal cardo functioning -- so much for nixing the two day hospital stay. Also if you indicate that you snore -- be prepared for a visit to the pulmenologist -- my best advice would be unless you wake yourself up snoring --- don't indicate that you snore. Do as much research that will make you feel comfortable -- then decide for yourself what would be best for you!

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

I wasn't prepared for just how emotional I would be. I admired him from afar and didnot understand how he could look at us so unconditionally and offer a new life to each of us. Everytime I tried to speak to him -- tears just welled up in my eyes. It took me over six weeks to thank him for the gift he gave me. He is the kindest caring man I have ever had the opportunity to be associated with. Bring your questions on a note card and take the time to get your questions answered. Then do exactly what he tells you to do.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to go through with the surgery when my last diet failed after only five weeks and I struggled everyday with my food decisions. I knew every bite that was not allowed and yet I still ate it. My surgeon's support meetings and information sessions did it for me. I felt at home with all the folks struggling with the weight issues. The difference was that I could see the sucessful folks and the folks in the process!! Never before had I seen sucess stories in the flesh and seeing that they all looked good!!!!!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the RNY gastric bypass -- loosing weight for me is not that difficult -- once it is the only priority in my life. My problem is keeping it off. I liked the fact that the folks who have had the surgery ate small amounts and were full -- much better than eating small amounts and being hungry.

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 thought that I really micht die from this surgery. I read so many things from the website and got to thinking that some of those things would happen to me. I was just plain scared. Educate yourself, and don't think that just because something happened to someone else that the same thing will happen to you. Belive what your surgeon says to you!

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?

Most folks were positative to my face but had a lot to talk about behind my back. My boss who is very concerned (the look on his face said it all) took a little work on my part. I asked him why he didn't want me to be thin? He indicated that he was concerned but he knows that when I am a thin person I'll be able to get my dream job. I know that too but I've got a lot of work ahead of me before that day will come.

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

My employer gave me the time I needed to recover and when I returned to work they let me ramp back up at my own pace. I took three weeks off of work and then another week and a half before I was back 100%.

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

My stay was ok. I would recommend that you schedule surgery early in the week so you have the week day nurses. Some of the weekend nurses were not as good as the week day nurses/ Bring some silky slippery pj's -- it's much easier to get out of bed when your pj's dont stick to the sheets. I was in the hospital for 4 days. My after care fell through and I wasn't ready to care for myself.

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

for the most part no complications. I did have one bout of pain that turned out to be a staple -- but after that I haven't even thrown up once!

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 was so happy and such a basket case! My every thought was about this surgery. I must have sounded like a nut case.

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

The first couple of weeks were a bit on the rough side. Not a lot of comfortable sleep. Keep in mind that you will be getting better every day! Expectations -- not much -- just concentrate on getting better.

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

I was so lucky -- my surgeon is less than 10 minutes 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.

Eating was hard -- first of all I havenot been hungry -- not even once. The hardest thing for me is not to drink for the 90 minutes following my meals. I usually wait one hour and then begin drinking again. My tastes have changed considerably. What I liked yesterday -- I can not stomach today. I'm on an all protien diet and I find that I don't care for my cooking. My tastes change so fast that I find myself not looking forward to eating what so ever. I am able to eat more food than I did the first few days after surgery. But I still eat much less than my hospital suite mate and the others in the hospital with me. I find that sometimes when under a bit of stress, that I am unable to eat more than a couple of bites no matter what I'm eating.

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

My activity just after surgery was very limited. I didn't even like going for a little walk. It was a big chore just getting out of the house. But now for the past six weeks I've been going non-stop. I've fired my housekeeper because now I have the energy to clean my house and do something every day besides go to work and then crash on the couch! I'm getting along with much less sleep too!

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

I am taking a daily multi (procare) along with vitiamin C and a monthly B-12 shot. I also take 1000 mg of calcium viactin - yummy! I tried zinc for hair loss and threw it up -- needless to say no more zinc for me!

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 not had any vomiting, dumping, or sleep disturbances since surgery. Only once I vomited that was from zinc and I feel so blessed that I have not had any complications. I am soooooooooooooooooooo afraid of the dreaded dumping that I will not intentionally eat anything with sugar in it. That fear of feeling bad for hours is enough of a deterant for me.

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

Making the decision to have the surgery and then going through with it. After that I can only thank God that he gave me the wisdom to make a life altering decision.

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

I go to support meetings once per month and get together with my hospital roomies about every six weeks.

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

I have seven small scars -- and they are already fading! I expected my scars to be smooth - but they have little bumps in them. I feel like I have a puzzle on my stomach.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a small plateau at the 49 pound loss point. I just kept on with my program drank a bit more water and then patience paid off. Now I'm around 70 pounds gone and couldn't be more pleased.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes -- I'm actually beginning to open up to others and invite folks in my life.