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

I first heard about bariatic surgery when I worked for the Office of CHAMPUS headquaters. We would get calls about this all the time. I did alot of research at the time so that I could be informative for the people that needed the information at the time. I thought it was a neat thing, but I didn't think that I would qualify.

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

I was approved within a day or two after submission by the surgeon. If I had to give any advice about insurance, I would make sure that my policy paid for the weight loss surgery. If your pcp is uncoorperative, find another one who is. Be prepared when you go to the doctor. Have all your facts ready to present. Have a name of the surgeon or surgeons that will accept your insurance and tell your doctor that you have come well prepared and would he/she give you a referral to look into the procedure.

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

Be ready to ask questions and don't be shy. If you can bring a friend or relative with you so that you have an extra pair of ears listening in case you miss something. You are nervous and excited and my daughter picked up on a few things that I didn't hear. I liked Dr. Lin from the beginning. I brought Brandy (my daughter) along to be my second set of ears. She was eagerly accepted. He discussed everything, including all the risks and restrictions. Showed me a diagram of what was going to happen. He was very thorough, was on my side. He knew that I needed help and this was the only way to go for me.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I did not make the initial decision. My endocrinologist sort of made all the arrangements for me to see Dr. Lin. No time was wasted. I figured that I was on my way to my death bed or worse. I went home and told my boyfriend. He said that he would be behind me whatever decisions were made. The next day I made the appointment with Dr. Lin.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I didn't. Dr. Lin only does the Open RNY.

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 have been through enough surgeries that I really thought that I would do alright. I didn't. When I had the blood clot in my lung, it really hit me that I could've died. After I was admitted back to the intensive care unit, I was sorry that I went to the hospital. The doctors had to put a central line in my neck and I had to get another foley catheter. I was miserable and angry. Don't let what happened to me deter you from having this surgery. Everyone is different. My body was just so tired from having all that weight for so long, I guess that it was just trying to fight back.

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 very supportive of me. Said that it was the best thing that could happen to me. I would finally be able to really live. My daughter and my boyfriend, David are still hanging in there with me even though I am driving them both crazy about my weight not coming off fast enough. If someone loves you enough they will be there for you no matter what the situation is. David came to see me everyday in the hospital and even helped with my personal hygiene. (Although, he did start crying when he saw my staples for the first time.)

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

My supervisor is always there for me when I need him. I just told him the truth. I was out of work from the first week of December 1999 til Jan 31, 2000. I could have taken more if I needed too. In fact, he called me at home to make sure I was well enough to come back. He was willing to give me as much time as I needed.

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

First of all, I had three stays in the hospital. The first was with the surgery. It was okay. I was in no pain to speak of and couldn't wait to get the NG tube out of my nose so that I could have clear liquids. I didn't know that I was as sick as I was. I had a hard time walking and breathing at the same time. I didn't know until later that I had a blood clot in my lung. I was readmitted to the hospital for that on Dec 26, 1999. (Merry Christmas). I was released on Dec 30, 1999, only to return again on Jan 2, 2000 for a massive infection that made me look like I had gone in for a bood job and chickened out after they did the right side. I was in the emergency room when they told me I had to be readmitted. I cried. I was so upset. But I am better now. It was worth the effort.

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

See above entry.

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 am very lucky I have a wonderful support system to help me get through all of this. I was definitely scared, anxious, excited and all other emotions rolled into one. My biggest concern was. What if I fail at this, also. How will I cope with my eating habits? How will I handle all the different restrictions?

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

Like I said before the first few weeks home were intermingled with being in and out of the hospital. Once I got home for good, it was much easier to cope. I started walking slowly at first and now I am up to over a mile at a time. I can walk three or more stores without having to stop. People should expect to try and take it easy. Just try to get well and not to push too quickly. Try to sleep in a recliner, I couldn't lie flat. The recliner was my savior. Try to have a good support system. My boyfriend made all my meals for me and tried to get me to eat everything I was supposed to have. Christmas dinner consisted of Split Pea Soup and a bite of pumpkin pie. It was delicious.

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

I had to go to the George Washington University Hospital which is about 20 or less miles from our house. The ride was a little treacherous on the way home (all the bumps, hurt), but it was worth 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.

Sugar free popsicles were the main stay of my diet when I got home because I had a yeast infection in my mouth and everything hurt. I ate pureed cream of mushroom soup and split pea soup. I dumped the Boost and Ensure even in the hospital. The sugar content was terrible. I can't eat pork chops, macaroni and cheese, cottage cheese, carbonated drinks and fried foods. I can now eat a sandwich and a medium salad.(not at the same time) I eat about 2 ounces of steak or chicken. I feel like I am able to eat too much, which scares me sometimes.

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

My activity level was very slow at first. I had a lot of complications and needed to get completely well first. But then, I started walking and never looked back. I can do almost anything I want. I enjoy walking our Pug, Buster. I can mow both of our lawns without breaking a sweat. I don't get upset if we can't find a parking space right in front. I fit behind the wheel of my car.

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

I a multivitamin everyday. I also try to eat a protein bar everyday.

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 couldn't eat pasta, sugar based condiments (catsup, barbeque sauce), rice, pork chops. These products made me throw-up. I had some hair loss right after surgery. And the prize goes to my period. I started exactly 3 days after my surgery and have'nt stopped since. This is important because I was having spotty or no periods before I had the surgery. In my research that was one of the things that most women brought up. So I made sure I was prepared and brought along the things that I would need. Thank God for my nurses. I am so eternally grateful that they were there to help me. I couldn't do it myself.

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

I was only allowed one ice chip an hour until the NG tube was removed. I think that was the hardest part because I got so thirsty. My feet swelled even with the massagers on. I was embarrassed that I could'nt take care of my personal hygiene without some assistence from the nurses and my boyfriend.

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

I go to the Staple Club meetings when I can. Sally is very helpful and I think that it is very important to have a good support system. People sometimes need a sounding board and this is a good place to get issues cleared up and your questions answered.

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

My scar goes from just under my bra line to just above my belly button. It is just now starting to spread but I expected this since I had gall bladder surgery when I was 20 years old.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have lost, gained, and stayed at a plateau long enough that my surgeon was comtemplating doing a revision. He still might because my weight is coming off very, very slow. 50 pounds since December. Nov 14, 2000. It is now almost a year and I have lost 75 lbs. I still think that my weight loss is too slow, but my surgeon is not going to make any decision's until it has been a year. He wants me to get to my goal weight of 250 (he changed that from 230). I guess it will take me another year to get there.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

No, not really.