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

My primary MD first mentioned it as a last resort of us being frustrated and demorialized by the weight gain. I did agree to go on an initial consult at he Deaconess with a Dr.Arman Forster who apparently was one of the leading surgeons who did this...but his bedside manner left little to be desired..He was cold, distant, matter of fact, scared me with the details of life and death, ventilator, major surgery, no other options in my life, and all I could see were $$ signs in his head..I couldn't wait to get out of there and told my MD no way it wasn't for me...She understood but over the next several months during my appts, she very gently would suggest it again. At one of my jobs, I met this nurse in a nursing home who one day complained of all her aches and pains which soulnded just like mne and then she said she could not wait to have this surgery. I told her about my experience but she in turn showed me a different side of it and reassured me enough to come to a support group at the Lahey Clinic-they did the Lap there and she knew several people who had it down successfully. I was initally hesitant but soon I could relate to the stories and found out that this surgery was safe and in such demand that waiting lists were almost a year long.So I embarked on my own internet research and soon i had met so many people who had it or had family or friends who had it done. I am so glad this nurse talked me into giving it another try.

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

I had no problem with BCBS--I had so many comorbid conditions that I was pretty sure they would approve-my meds alone were costing them a fortune! I did call initially and a few times after that to make sure there were no snags and that I got the referrals I needed for the pre-op tests and MD appts so that I only had a small copay.

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

I was so happy to meet the surgeons-happy to find someone who understood the plight of the misery of the obese and could really do something for them to give them a new lease on life...so happy that these surgeons devote themselves to helping us have healthier and better lives and how they must get so much satisfaction out of seeing these changes in people's happiness and longevity. Mine was very patient and understanding...he was actually quite impressed with my preparation work in my reading, the questions I had set for him, and my medical history all ready for him...my advice is don't be afraid to ask questions--make sure your surgeon has a good bedside manner and is patient with you. This is major surgery not to be taken lightly and their empathy is crucial in the process. Also make sure you read up on your surgeons qualifications, check the licensing board, # of procedures and successes vs failures, etc...

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My back was against the wall figuratively...so many comorbid symptoms which were not improving and too much pain and immobility... Going to support groups and hearing the post op patients express how they felt, watching the pounds melt off of them and looking so happy each one having absolutely no regrets that they would have done it again if needed was the clincher for me. Besides at 45 I was too young to not have a real life...

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I wanted the Lap but due to my apple shape and my BMI and girth, they want to do the open..They are doing the Roux en Y-the Gold Standard-the only way to go...

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?

had the normal anxieties that I wold be that 1% of people dying on the table-did alot of praying and asked for family nad friends to do the same-did lots of novenas-and placed myself in the competent hands of the surgeons asking God to guide their hands. Also to be in the best physical and mental shape before surgery is key-proper attitude, some weight loss beforehand and meditation are all key in a good recovery.

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?

most were supportive...brother was afraid of the risks of surgery and had a hard time believing this would work and change long term behaviors. Afterwards, everyone was very happy for me-I have felt comfortable sharing the news with everyone I meet and feel like a motivational speaker now.

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

out of work for 6 weeks-supervisor was supportive of the surgery and thought this was a courageous decision to go through with it... current boss in my new job also had similar surgery 2 years ago so was very understanding and supportive.

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

in hospital 7 days-worse part was pressure to be d/c before ready-needed rehab to do stairs, had low O2 levels-some pinching from the drains... bring feel good things-things to cuddle-creams, ointments...

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

no major complications at all. I prayed alot as did all my friends and family...divine intervention helped me heal quicky

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

took the full 6 weeks to recoup at home and took it very slowly...was tired and cautious about what I ate...no anxiety..thrilled with the quick weight loss so easily.

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

tired, sore, get a hospital bed at home so you can sleep at an angle..supportive family and lots of company helps...don't panic-you won't burst at the seams (incision)

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

Burlington is about 4 towns over from where I live-no problem

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.

could only eat small bites and small amounts--chicken is still the hardest to tolerate-did not like the protein shakes at all...missed fresh vegetables and salads at first...instead of all mushy food but tolerance has increased dramatically-some initial frothing and throw up when food got stuck like a big burp bubble-now 8 months later, till have a hard time w/ chicken breasts or fillets and also got sick trying some sips of beer-

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

gradual activity-learned to do stairs slowly with help of PT/visiting nurse...but able to do more and more each week.

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

multiple, calcium and iron, B12

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?

frothing, vomiting quite a bit initially, some hair loss in the 5-6 th month which has come back-sleeping better-no more sleep apnea...be patient-it will all go away with time.

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

waiting to get the leak test and drinking that horrid white stuff that tasted like liquid plastic-not barium-being very thirsty initially and having to do liquids w/ broth, jello and water only.

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

great support group once a month at Lahey Clinic-we have a core group of successful post surgery folks who are mentors to new folks coming to learn more and be inspired..this is super important for evveryone-I cannot stress enough the importance of this kind of support.

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

The scar is about 9 inches long and still noticeable- a bit lumpy-I worry about developing a hernia-hoping the scar will lighten over time-looks like a cardiac bypass scar.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have had several plateaus lasting a couple of weeks at a time-but then will drop 6-8 pounds...weight loss has sloewed down in the eigth month-from the initial 20-25 pounds down to 5-10 maximum. Have lost a total of 120 pounds and have 80 more to go.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

yes!!!! much better-no double looks-got a great job on the first try-I of curse feel more comfortable and am more assertive than I used to be which people must pick up on.