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

My father had the original surgery at UCLA and lived 22 years past what he should have. Of course his surgery was far different then mine since I had the laporscopic procedure, but I knew the after effects, and many things that would be life long. This all prepared me, and were part of my decision to go forward to have the surgery.

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

Medicar changed it's rules in the middle of my experience. I was just beginning, and Medicare decided it would not pay until a program was certified. I was going to get a workman comp settlement and that would pay for my surgery.

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

Everyone was so helpful. Although I had questions, these were answered during the first 3 hour session. I felt comfortable with the professionalism of all of the staff, and I liked that each staff person looked at me when speaking with me; not talking to me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My health, my endurance, my inability to reduce weight, and a decline in my quality of life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted what my dad had. Dr, Ludwig's program was descripted about the RNY procedure and I decided I wanted what would be most effective.

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?

The rountine what if's. I did not want to die, but I also did not want to live as anything other then full functioning. I wanted to have a quality of life I lost when I became injured. Because of being an RN, I knew the worse case scenarios and asked questions about these, which were answered truthfully. Whomever I asked question of, answered them quickly and succinctly.

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 supportive of what ever decision I made. They knew how miserable I was, and how hard it was for me to just walk across a room, let alone walk any distance.

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

I am totally disabled, and therefore this question is not appropriate.

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

As an RN I saw my hospitaliozation different then most would. The nurses who cared for me were GREAT. I can only repeat that the staff was the best. If I were able to work again, I would love to work with these nurses. They demonstrated what is good about nursing, and why I became a nurse 30 years ago.

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

No complications from the surgery. Only my own non compliant ways, and my zero tolerance for pain-of any kind.

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 too busy getting prepared for surgery, and following the pre-op surgical program. And although I was nervous, there was not the typical anxiety regarding the surgery. I had done a lot of research and felt confident I had the best surgeon and program available.

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

I have no tolerance for pain, so my main focus was on being pain free. Because of my physical disability there were somethings I was not able to do. I had plenty of support. 1 month after surgery my husband was gone for 3 weeks, and I was able to care for my self, with the help of family and friends. My energy got better, and I found myself getting into the habits needed to change my previous lifestyle.

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

Travel about 30 miles. No problems. We live in the mountains and we are 30 miles from major shopping. We live in a small mountain community.

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 followed the programs dietary recommendations, and although I did push the envelope at times, I had a healthy respect for the programs guidelines and the rationale for the guidelines. I'm not a very compliant patient, and I will push the envelope as much as I can. Each week got easier and I learned what worked and what didn't work for me. I learned to adapt that with the recommedations and have been doing good.

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

At first very week. But, as I began to heal my energy got better. I was able to move better, and when I was released to partake in a regimented exercise program, I found I was doing more then ever, and my trainer was impressed at how well I was and am doing.

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

I take chewable and crushable everything, or liquids. Multi Vitamins, and minerals, iron, B12, Unjury for protein supplements

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 true nausea and vomiting I have had was when I got a flu bug, which lasted 3 days, and I was followed by my family doctor.

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

Financial. The fact I had to pay for something that Medicare should have paid for, but because they changed their rules in midstream it made it a hardship for my. Everything else was routine.

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

I chose to not participate in the programs support groups because of the distance, and I have many friends and family who were very suppotive. I'm not very good as a "support group" person. I have led support groups, and been in a few, but I'm way to assertive, and non-compliant to be of help to others in a group situation.

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

I have 6 little scars. I never was, nor will I be a supermodel. I really don't care there are scars on my tummy. I find it actually pretty neat that they are small now because of the weight loss.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far there hasn't been any plateaus. Just gradual decreases in weight, increase in energy and endurance.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

This is what irks me. Places I went to, usually infrequently as a fat woman, and now, the treatment is astonishing. I am the same person. But I don't think they realize it. Sometimes I play games just to see what they'll do. And so far, it's about 50-50. Some treat me different, others treat me the same as before. (At Christmas, after 113# loss so far, we visited with friends and family who had not seen me, and many thought he was with a new woman, not me).