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

I first heard about the surgery when I was in my early 20's. Back then I thought the idea of WLS was stupid. Why would anyone take such drastic measures to lose weight, now I know. After trying to lose weight for over 20 years...for me it ended up being my only way. My husbands co-worker had the surgery (2000)and that's when I started looking into it.

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

I fought with my insurance company for several months. I had received 2 denials and then went through an appeal hearing. Then I got a third denial. I was at a lose as to what my next step would be. My HR director told me he could not file and appeal on my behalf. Just about the time I thought I was going to have to hire a lawyer, the insurance company called and told me they had changed their policy. After my consultation, I got my approval in 1 week.

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

The hospital stay was very good. The nursing staff were pleasant and willing to meet my needs. I was in the hospital 6 days. Normally, my surgeon has you in 5 days, but I ended up in ICU and extra day. The only thing I took with my was my slippers. I used the hospital gowns and tolitries.

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

I had a minor fluke of complication. The first 2 days I could not keep my water (ice chips) down. After Dr. Huse took out my NG tube, I didn't have any more vomiting. It seems that I had developed a bloodclot at the end of the NG tube, closing off the opening to my stomach. About 2 1/2 weeks post-op I couldn't keep anything down. I had an endoscopy done. I was at 12 but the doctor diliated to 15. The only other thing he found was that I had some stiches that were all knotted up, that he thought they may have acted as a net, preventing any food passing.

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 wanted this for so long, I was very anxious for my day to get here. I did not suffer the rollercoaster feelings that so many do. For me, I believed 100% that I had no other option, so I was at total peace with whatever the outcome would be. I will never forget the morning of my surgery, I was following the nurse to pre-op and I was grinning from ear to ear, I was extremly happy.

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

I pampered myself. I was tired and allowed myself to sleep/sit all day. I had my husband doing a lot for me. To do it over, I would be a little more active. Pain wise, I had a little discomfort and that's about it.

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

We have a little over 2 hours to drive. When I have to go down for an appointment it is an all day thing. First I have to go the dietition and then we have to go into Indy to the surgeons office. It doesn't affect my aftercare, because this is what has to be done. I feel I am getting excellant aftercare, so I accept the inconvience.

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.

My first 6 weeks were full liquids. This was a horrible time for me because most of the food selection I didn't care for. At 5 weeks the dietition went ahead and moved me to solid food. I have tried foods not on my list and have not had much problem. I have found I can't tolerate foods fried and oriental food, so I stay away from them. The biggest problem I had was finding a protein supplement I could stand.

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

I am barely exercising. Since I am a "heavy weight" it has not been a problem yet. I spoke with my surgeon and told him when I get on my treadmill I can only do 3 minutes, but I have only been doing that once a day. He said that was fine.

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

I daily take a mulitvitamin + iron (cvs brand) B-12 once weekly. I daily take 2 chewable calcium (1000)

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 not experienced hair loss yet. I have nausia,vomiting when I eat to fast. This happens at least twice a week. This doesn't panic me, I will eventually learn to slow down. (I am 14 weeks out) Since my surgery I am finally sleeping through the night.

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

The whole approval process. I had 3 denials and went through an appeal hearing. Then out of the clear they changed their policy and from there getting approval was quick.

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

We have a local support group that meets twice a month. It is good to be with a group of people that have the same experiences.

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

My scar is only about 7 inches. It is still a little puffy and dark. I was expecting it would be longer, I am really glad it's not

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none yet

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, I feel people are a lot more friendly toward me.