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

An uncle had his stomach stapled in Chicago, in the early 70's. The results were dramatic and his health and quality of life were greatly improved, but as a teenager (of normal weight at that time), I had thought it sounded like a very risky and drastic measure. In the year 2000, I was at my wits end with my own health issues related to obesity, and I did a Google search for 'obesity.' One of the first pages listed was www.obesityhelp.com. I began to read and learn about the different methods of WLS. For the first time in over a decade, I felt hopeful.

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

I feel so very thankful, that my surgeon, Dr. Roy Cobean, handled all insurance dealings. I know that CIGNA did not approve in time to meet my initial surgery date, but Dr. Cobean phoned someone at CIGNA and had an approval for a date just two weeks after my original surgery date. God Bless Dr. Cobean and whoever it was at CIGNA who gave me this second chance at living a good life.

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

I had attended a few support meetings conducted by my surgeon over a period of two years prior to my first actual visit with him. I had also attended other Bariatric Support meeting at other hospitals. By the time I met with Dr. Cobean for my first visit, I felt fairly educated on the subject of laproscopic Roux-en-Y bypass surgery. I had the utmost confidence in my surgeon, based on his vast experience, and I liked him. I felt he was a caring person. This was important to me. I think in order to get the most out of your first meeting, you need to do your homework and be well prepared. The people I know who have had the most problems with post-surgical issues, are those who went into WLS not knowing their facts, or being prepared.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I read an article on smoking. It said that smoking is almost as harmful to ones health as being obese. ALMOST! I was stunned! We all know how dangerous smoking is, why, no one is even allowed to smoke in public anymore because of the dangers of second hand smoke. But who knew that smoking was LESS dangerous than being obese? I knew at that moment - obesity was far too dangerous. My husband and children deserved better from me. My family history was full of obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Most everyone died of heart disease related to complications of diabetes. And they died young. If there was something I could do to change my future, to re-write my destiny, I knew had to do it.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

From everything I read, I concluded that the lap Roux-en-Y gastric bypass offered the results I was looking for.

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 had faith and trust in both God, and Dr. Cobean. I asked Dr. Cobean about his complications and rate of fatalities. I felt that he answered me honestly. He told me he believed that I was an excellent candidate for surgery. I did not fear dying, although I know it sometimes happens, from surgery in general. I didn't see it as a great risk. Not nearly as great a risk as not having surgery.

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?

They were all startled initially. Many were shocked that I had any issues with my weight. I guess they all bought that I was 'fat and happy.' I educated them right along with myself. My nineteen year old daughter probably knows as much about WLS as most WLS patients do! Everyone interested took the hour long drive to a support meeting with me over the years. My mother was the most frightened, but she was reassured by the depth of my research. I would do it the same way if I had it to do over. I believe there is power in knowledge. Everyone has been incredibly supportive. I am a lucky girl!

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

I am a SAHM (stay at home mom).

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

My hospital stay, besides the wait for surgery, was my least favorite part of my WLS journey. Nurses and staff are overworked and getting help or attention was not easy, in fact, it seldom happened. Luckily, my stay after lap Roux-en-Y was barely 48 hours. I would suggest the most important thing you could take would be your own help. A spouse, adult child, or best friend to stay with you. I over packed 'things.' I never touched my CD headset, magazines or journal. Of course, if someone had been there to hand me any of these items the morning following my surgery, I might have, but I was alone and reaching hurt that first day. I used my chap stick more than any other single item. Also, the flushable wipes I took along helped me feel fresher (no one helped me bathe). Wiping was a bit of a challenge, but luckily, despite being fat, I have always been flexible - so I did NOT need the 'wooden spoon.' After I used the toilet, I placed my leg up high on the bathroom wall, and used flushable wipes to clean myself up - this worked great for me, but I am not sure everyone is as steady after surgery, or as naturally flexible as I am. Most people swear by the wooden spoon. I took nighties, and clothes, but wore only the same hospital gown I had surgery in until I showered one hour before leaving the hospital. I walked a lot (I highly recommend walking in the hospital!). I did wear my own slippers and robe. That's my list. Chap stick, flushable wipes, slippers, and robe. My surgery was in the morning, so the clothes I wore into the hospital were the ones I wore home. I highly recommend oversized, comfy sweats - forget the bra on the way home! Oh, and do take a pillow to hold against your tummy on the drive home.

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

I did not have a one! :) I very carefully chose my surgeon and had complete faith and trust in him when he told me that I was an excellent candidate for surgery!

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 a five or six week wait. Luckily for me, it was summertime and I was able to keep busy with my children and life in general. That was the trick for me, to avoid anxiety, I was more active than I had been in years. I had picnics with friends, vacationed with my whole family (28 of us!), went boating with my husband - I kept a busy schedule. I also attened every WLS support meeting I could find. I usually took a different family member along with me so that they would be more knowledgable about WLS and less anxious themselves!

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

I felt very good returning home. I was able to sleep normally in my bed (on my side) right from the start. It was tough getting up and down for the first five days, but each day was a bit easier. I used Extra Strength Tylenol for pain. It did the trick. Drinking and eating the blended food was a challenge initially, but I felt I was prepared. I bought a few cases of 8 oz. bottles of water (pre-surgery), and I labeled four bottles each day; the minimum amount I was required to drink. That way all I had to do was drink all four 'Monday' bottles, and I was set. I could drink more than that, but I wanted to be sure to get in at least 32 oz. a day, and it wasn't always easy to drink that much at first, but I knew how important it was - so I did. Blended food was yukky, but I knew there was an end in sight. I followed my instruction and did exactly as told. I made sure to get in enough protein. My dietician had told me pre-op how many grams of protein (at least) I needed each day, and I did not let a day go by that I didn't get in what she said. It worked for me, I am 4 months out and haven't lost any hair (let me knock on wood! ;) in the beginning weeks, before I switched from the blended diet, I depended on the protein shakes to get in enough protein. I also took the 2 Flintstones with Iron Vitamins, 3 Tums and 1 Prevacid each day, religiously. I had never had any surgery before, and to be honest, I expected my recovery to be more difficult. I feel blessed to have had such a skilled surgeon and such an easy recovery. I was driving my car 4 days post-op, vacumming, cleaning, cooking and caring for my family before the week was up. I was walking each day, and after two weeks, began bike riding my bike for twenty minutes each day.

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

I traveled one hour to Portland, Maine. I had a check up four weeks post-op, and another one scheduled for my four month check up. I travel about an hour once a month to attend a support meeting run by my surgeon and his team.

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

I attend two hospital support groups, and one support group not associated with a specific hospital, monthly. I also check the message boards, and read the questions and answer sections of www.obesityhelp.com daily. I am twelve weeks out and the support meetings teach me and help me to realize the importance of following my surgeons recommended guidelines. I never come out of a meeting not feeling better than when I went in!

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

I have five itty bitty scars. One, I have to hunt for! I would not be surprised if they are faded before next summer!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No plateau's - yet! I am a slow, but steady loser.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I notice that I treat myself differently! Last week, I got a 'cute' haircut. I feel feminine. I care about how I look so I think people respond in a more favorable disposition to me. I have re-newed energy and I think that makes me feel friendlier, therefore, people are friendlier to me.