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

Searching the Internet, studying obesity. At first I was hesitant because I had never considered surgery. But the more I studied, the more I believed this was an answer for me.

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

It was fairly simple for me. I began contacting them in July finding out the process and whether I could qualify for surgery. It took less than two weeks for approval from the time Dr. Rutledge sent my insurance letter.

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

I had numerous contacts via phone and Internet and didn't actually meet him until the day before surgery. He provides clinics every week that people can attend to learn more about the surgery.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had contacted several other doctors (RNY) and wasn't as satisfied with the information I received. Dr. Rutledge's website provided more information at your finger tips than any other doctor does. I felt like it was the simplest and I had spoken to over 20 of his past patients.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had viewed different procedures and I like this, not only because it could be revised, but because Dr. Rutledge put so much into the aftercare, I felt that was really the biggest issue. Learning to live differently, changing old habits. There are many doctors that just perform surgery, and could care less what happens afterwards.

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?

None. I felt like I was already dying from the weight. And I had put alot of time and study into it before I made the decision.

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 friend were very supportive. I actually put together a notebook of all the information from the Patient Manual to the surgery procedure and gave it to family members and friends I was closest to. I wanted others to read through the information and see if they saw any red flags. I didn't want to make a decision for surgery out of emotion. I wanted it to be solid and supported.

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

I work with family so their wasn't a problem there. I only missed 5 days of work.

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

I stayed a Durham Regional for one night and it was great! My nurse staff was wonderful! I wore to the hospital the clothes that I would exist the hospital in. Take very little to the hospital. They provide everything you need.

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

No

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 had prepared so much for this mental and had such a strong support group that I had very little problems. I didn't suffer from much anxiety.

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

The first week the staples itched and there was some slight discomfort, but I immediately began walking and exercising.

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

2 hours. The ride home the day after made me a little car sick, but that was it.

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 after care program very closely. I ate mostly broth based soups, yogurt, oatmeal and jello for over 4 weeks. They say it takes 21 days to change habits - I wanted to make sure I changed these! 7 weeks into aftercare and I was eating small salads, tuna, turkey, protein drinks and most foods. I have steered clear of caffine and refined sugars and flours (they seem to upset my new stomach). I can now pretty much eat full portions of food. BUT I eat 5 - 6 times a day

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

I literally began walking the day after surgery. I began with walking a half a mile and since then - I have run a 5K and I go to a gym 3 - 4 days a week where I do 20 min. on an elliptical machine, 20 min. on weights and walk a mile (I walk 12 laps and jog 4).

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

I started on a multivitamin two weeks after surgery and have taken vit. E and protein supplements since. I also take different forms of fiber everyday to coat my stomach.

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 vomited twice since surgery, I beleive this was due to eating to rapidly. After that happens a couple of times, believe me - you slow down! I've had no hair loss or nausia.

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

I didn't do it sooner!!

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

Dr. Rutledge has a great post support group via e-mail. It has over 900 patients on it. I also joined the Western NC support group with nearly 40 members and they meet once a month. This has been very helpful. Some people had greater health problems than myself and it is great to know you are not alone in your struggles.

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

5 1/2" ports! Nothing! They are already starting to fade!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I haven't experienced any yet.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes! I look like a COMPLETELY different person, They say I have a greater glow in my face and it has really brought out my personality.