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

I heard of the lap band. I interviewed aDr., and he told me in May of 02 that it had not been approved by the FDA for 3 yrs yet, and I should consider Gastric Bypass. He set me up for a surgery date in July. My husband was against it because I had not done any research on this surgery. I cancelled and during that time, I had heard of Dr. Hans Schmidt of Hackensack, who had at least a 6 month waiting list. I was afraid at first because he was very up front at his seminar about the complications that can arise, but I thought it was better to know all before going in. I did not have severe co-morbidities, but I met both criteria, my BMI was 52.3, and I was more than 100lbs overweight.

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

My insurance company is Devon Health Care. I was approved after the first letter.

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

My first office visit was exciting and scary! He was very upfront as he was in his seminar. He told me I could have the surgery, or I could not have it, but 5 to 10 years from now, did I think I would be in better shape than at this moment, or will I have gained more, and possible have severe co-morbidities, which would make the surgery more difficult.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery after realizing he was right, I was only going to gain more weight, I was not happy with myself. I had no energy, and realize now that interfered with my childrens upbringing. I was not the type of person who could do it on my own. I tried numerous times and failed. No offense towards older people, but I am 37 now, and the clothes looked like they were being made for women much older.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The lap-band would have to be adjusted accordingly, and I just didn't want that responsibility. There is also a part of the lap-band that can turn sideways, and if that happens they have to open you to fix it. This seemed like too much to have to worry about. If the lap-band cannot be felt to be adjusted, you have to do it after an x-ray. The Gastric Bypass is more serious a step, but it is one I do not regret.

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 told it was normal to go through different emotions leading up to the surgery. I made sure all my affairs were in order, and wrote letters to my children. I was afraid I would not wake up, BUT I had every confidence in Dr. Schmidt.

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 friends were afraid for me, as was my family. It was hardest on my 13 year old daughter. They were supportive, although apprehensive. Each time they read something, or heard something, they made sure to tell me, whether negative or positive. I can't think of anything I would have done or said differently. After the surgery, they were relieved, although I did experience a major complication, others have had worse.

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

My employer was very supportive. I was told to take as much time as I needed to heal. He was not interferring or judgemental, just wished me and my family well. I was very up front with everyone, I felt I was doing this for me, not anyone else. I didn't want to lie, then have to remember who I lied to. I was out of work for 5 weeks.

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

I was in the hospital for 6 days, and the stay was fine except for a few minor things. I was given apple juice the first day, and jello that was not sugar-free. It went right through me. I felt that the breathing treatments every 6 hours helped me. I think this is so that you do not develop pneumonia. The most important thing to bring for your stay would be a pair of tongs. It is very hard to clean yourself after surgery. I would also suggest rubber shoes for the shower so you don't slip. If you can bring small bottles of your favorite shampoo, conditioner and soap, do so. It is easier if they are in a little plastic bag and bring a suction cup with a hook on it so you don't have to reach in the shower. Last but not least, your favorite stuffed animal!

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

I did have bleeding and required 2 transfusions of 2 units each. During the first one, I passed a clot from my rectum that felt like the size of an afterbirth of a child, so my levels were very poor after that. The second transfusion was given to me rapidly, and I was much better. I, nor the doctor, know why I bled. I was told it does happen to 1 to 3% of patients. It could have been so many factors, for instance, my morphine shots were not given to me 3 times, and maybe I was in stress. I was not bleeding at the time. When I was finally given morphine, I was moved to my room 15 minutes later and vomited, that could have torn some of the staple lining. Either way, I am happy and healthy today. At first, I thought," what did I do to myself?" I quickly realized that my frame of mind had to change, so I thought," yes, I did this to myself, there is nothing I can do to change it, deal with it. You were told it happens, you have talked to people it has happened to. You'll be fine." Thank God.

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 afraid of developing a blood clot, I was up as often as I could and just walked around my living room. I was averaging 300 steps a night by the end of the first week. I only threw up once, forgetting I had to sip because I woke up so thirsty one morning. The anxiety wasn't so bad. I knew I wouldn't lose all the weight overnight, and I knew eventually I could eat again.

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

The first thing I did was rent a recliner for 3 weeks because I could not get on my bed. We take for granted that little lift we do to get on the bed! I slept like a baby, and I had a Homedics foot massage, which vibrated up to my knees. Bet thing anyone has ever given me, (Thanks Laurene)! It was hard to drink the liquids, I was so full. When I look at what 4 1oz cups look like, I wonder how I managed not to starve! I had, and still do, have a hard time going to the bathroom (#2).I drink coffee every 3 days to try and get regular. I also take an iron pill, which can make you constipated. I was very tired, and although my scars were healing nicely, it is very important to follow directions, because your insides are not healed yet!

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

Luckily, Hackensack University Medical Center is less than 5 miles 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.

In the weeks following the surgery, I have been very lucky. I was able to eat everything I wanted except for liverwurst. I tried this the 4th week out, and spread it on a cracker. I don't think I will ever eat it again. I can eat alot of things. I never had a problem with eggs other than that I am sick of them now! My best friend was Welchs and Dole frozen popsicles! I was able to eat salad and broccoli and spinach at 8 weeks out. The only thing I cannot have, and it is not a bad thing, is bread. I cannot hold down toast,bagel,english muffin, but I can eat some of a blueberry or corn muffin. I can also eat grilled cheese, but not toast, go figure!

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

I was tired and not getting much activity, only around my house. I have 4 small flights of stairs to go up, and the Dr. said try not to do stairs. After my first visit with him, I wanted to go for walks, but was too tired after I got downstairs, so I sat outside and came back up! Each day got better, and I had a full flight of stairs to go up for work. That is why the Dr. gave me an extra week, and asked if I needed more to call him.

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

I am taking Centrum Adult Chewables. They only come in orange, but that is o.k. Unfortunately, the do not come with Iron anymore, so I take an iron pill. I also take 2 Viactiv calcium chews daily. These are wonderful and come in chocolate,caramel,and orange. They take the edge off if I am craving something sweet! I have heard alot about co-enzyme Q-10, but have not taken it yet. My PCP tell me it won't hurt.

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 nausea I experienced was in the hospital, and they gave me something intravenously. I only vomited once in the hospital, and at home maybe 3 to 4 times in 4 months. The episodes at home were my fault, I was either eating too fast, or not relaxed while eating. I had dumping once on Friendlys Ice Cream. My daughter gave it to me by accident instead of the frozen yogurt. It was bad, but not terrible. Sweats, cramps, but as soon as I went to the bathroom,I was fine. I am experiencing hair loss now, 4 months out. When I reached 3 months, and nothing happened, I thought I was in the clean. No such luck. I cut my hair short, even though it is not noticible yet. If it does get to noticible, I will just cut it shorter. I am lucky it is the summertime.

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

The worst part of the whole process, for me, was the bleeding and coming to a point where I thought I was not going to make it. If it hadn't been for the support of my good friend, Nurit Gutierrez, who had the surgery herself, I would not have done as well mentally and emotionally as I did. Thanks Nurit!!It is a very real, very scary thing when you know there is nothing you can do about what is happening to you.

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

I had been going to the support group run by Sherilee at Hackensack before the surgery. I still try to go once a month, if only to update my picture! I believe it is run well, and the question and answer she runs is very helpful. Everyone, including myself, is willing to help with an answer, offer a phone number for support, give a ride, etc.

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

I have 5 small incisions, and if you grouped them together, they would still not be as big as my bikini line cut from my caesarean in 1989. 3 of the 5 scars are 1/2 inch long each. One is a little smaller, and the largest is about 1 1/2 inches long. It looks better than I expected. One of my fears was that they would have to do it open, which means straight down your stomach like the old gallbladder surgery.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I joined Curves in March, a little over my 6 wk out. I couldn't do everything, but I tried. I hit my first plateau at the end of May and I was devastated. Even though I knew it was going to happen, I felt so disappointed. I was stuck at 51 lbs out. That is the reason I do not have a scale in my home. I know me, and everytime I went to the bathroom, I would jump on it, and I didn't want to live like that. I made a promise to myself that I would only check once a month when Curves measures you, but I broke the promise. Thats when I found out I haven't moved in 2 1/2 weeks. I waited to be weighted and measured 1 1/2 weeks later, and I had lost another 6 lbs. I am prepared for my next plateau, I hope.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice men looking at me more! Sometimes, my friends tell me I am going to start treating them differently, I hope they are wrong. Some of them, whom I love dearly, hurt my feelings when they tell me things like that. I am changing on the outside, but I am still the caring person they have always known. I hope it is not them who will treat me differently.