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

I contacted the surgeon's office recommended by my Dr and I went to an informational meeting. The meeting was two hours long- and I went with the thought that I would do a lap band. When I left, I changed completely to the roux n y Gastric Bypass. I also paid for a report on my surgeon and his associates. I wanted to make sure that I was in good hands, and that no one had died under his care.

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

I began my committment on February 11, 2004. From that point forward I was online, reading, and educating myself. I went to support group meetings as a pre-op, and I completed all of the testing required. All of my paperwork was submitted on May 28th, 2004 and I found out I was approved on June 6th, 2004- I had no insurance issues at all.

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

Dr. Steinberg was very likeable- He was very warm, and compassionate- I was impressed by his knowledge, and the fact that he seemed to care.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I actually was on a trip with my Girl Scout Troop in Savannah, GA. It was October 2003. We were walking on the riverfront, and my legs and ankles began to swell. I hurt so bad, I had to sit down on a bench and wait as my girls did some shopping. I was so humiliated and I decided that it was time for me to make a change in my life- I prayed and prayed about it, I called the surgeons office in January,and then in February, I went to the first open consultation date available

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

They actually showed a powerpoint presentation, and on it they featured about 7 different surgeries- some that are no longer done, and when they got to the Lap Band, I heard a series of horror stories (slippage, eroding stomach lining, etc). What did it for me is the thought of having to come in for adjustments and having that band for life- I immediately began to focus on the lap roux n y Gastric Bypass- and after talking with Dr. Steinberg, this is what we decided.

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 really did not have that fear (death)- perhaps I should have, but after seeing that surgical teams record- I had great confidence. If I had any fear, it was that something would go wrong with me, and I would have some issues with the procedure- However, I was mentally prepared to deal with that as long as I had some results. I did end up having major complications, and still have issues at almost three years out- But, I would do it again without 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 mother and one of my brothers were all for it. My friends who knew my struggles supported me. My husband and children were terrified, and I feel at times I did not get the emotional support I needed from my spouse at the time I needed it- However, when he saw I was hellbent and determined, he got on board and began attending pre and post support group meetings.

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

My supervisor was not Happy in the least. I told her when I began my testing period because I did not want any issues with my absences- She tried to talk me out of it, and said I was taking "the easy way out"..Two weeks before my surgery date, I got "transferred to another department" Needless to say, that really upset me, but you know- it all worked out in the end.

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

Well, when I got to my room it was nice- My mom was able to stay overnight with me- Bring slippers, GAS X, and your normal things-like toiletries, bring books, and just be ready to get up and WALK!!!

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

Yes, I had alot of internal bleeding and ended up in ICU for a week. I found I had a blood clot in my pouch and it had to pass- I just did what I had to to get out- Once I was ale to walk around, I saw all of those folks on life support, and that was enough to get me out of there.

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 did not have any anxiety- I was waiting on me being able to follow the correct regiment.

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

What I found is that I was unable to hold liquids, clear fluids- nothing- Then I began to get upset because I found I could not follow the process that everyone else had- I found that I did not fit the norm of a bypass patient, and this got me more upset then the procedure and complications.

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

About 30 miles

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 could not eat ANYTHING. I could not drink tap water At ALL- to this day (almost 3 years out) I still CAN NOT drink tap water. I vomitted all the time, several times a day- Smells triggered vomitting, sight of foods triggered it, one bite would trigger it, I vomitted all the time and still do from time to time. I could only eat a few things- Cheese its, refried beans and cheese potatoes (mashed). I also found I could eat hamberger (ground) and even steak. I could not do turkey, chicken or fish. I can do a small amount of chicken now- Turkey is hard and I definately can not do my favorite (Salmon). I can do shrimp from time to time, but most of the time- seafood and I just do not mix.

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

I had zero energy level- I ended up getting a B12 shot after the first week home from surgery. I also had alot of pain- I found out later that my gallbladder was shot and ended up having additional surgery two months later.

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

I am pretty bad with my vitamins- I hate to admit that but it is the truth- I do take a B12 shot once a month- I take a multi vitamin, I try to remember to take my calcium- This is the one thing I am horrible with.

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 did have some insomnia, and some hair loss- I only experienced dumping twice ( the definition of dumping) However I had constant and persistant vomitting-and a persistant pain in my mid right abdoman under my breast. Need I say more? I did it all the time for up to two years. I had tests tests, and more tests- They could never find anything and I started to think I was a hypocondriac or something. When I tried to seek solace from my peers, I was told that I was the cause, and that was not doing things right. It got to the point that I just would not talk about it. I shied away from all of the support groups, and suffered pretty much in silence. I found that if you do not fit in the "norm" that folks are ready to point their finger and tell you its you- I coped by just internalizing.

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

For me, not having the compassion and understanding of my Gastric Bypass peers- It really hurt me to know, that I was not understood, and that I did not have a forum that I felt comfortable to express my pain.

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

I did attend my local support group here. I also talk on OH from time to time, and also on another online support group.

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

I have five small scars from the bypass surgery and four more from my gall bladder removal. I actually have the problem with keloids, so mine are visible and not smooth.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I lost all my weight within the first 8 months- then it simply halted. I had tests, tests, and more tests, but I stopped losing. No matter what I have done, I remain between 250-255 lbs. Now from 340 thats great, but no where close to the 150-160 I wanted to be at. My surgeon worked with me over the last 2 years- and I have found that there are 3% of folks who do NOT lose 50% or more of their body weight. I am now in the process of having a revision to a DS in June 2007.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I am the same on the inside- and I get mad that folks could not see me before this procedure- I find it very frustrating.