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

My mom had a gastric bypass 10 years ago. My initial impressions of it were that of shock and disbelief. I thought it was horrible because of a stupid surgeon that didn't know what he was doing and a hospital that wasn't prepared to deal with gastric bypass. My mom ended up dying twice and what should have been a week long stay in the hospital turned into 6 months. She now is doing fine, and thanks to all of the people I have met and talked to and all of the research that I have been doing, I find now that WLS is a great thing if needed. It isn't a magic bullet but it is a great tool to help those of use who are tired of living in a world where "larger" people are discriminated against.

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

Getting insurance approval was a snap. Since I didnt have to have pre-authorization since I was on medical AND medicare AND had private insurance just incase that didnt work out. I was pretty much all set to go once I had made up my mind to do the surgery.

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

The first visit with Dr. Francis was ok. She was nice enough but I dont know, dont let first impressions throw you off. People can change like hot/cold water. Take the time to get to know more about your surgeon, his/her expectations, his/her previous experiences. Also take a list of questions with you. Dont worry about having to ask and ask and reask the same questions. Just keep doing it until you feel like you understand.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I wanted to live a healthy long life and watch my children grow up. At the rate I was going at, I would not have been able to do that.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I went with the lesser of the two extremes. The only 2 surgeries performed where I went were the VBG and the regular bypass. Being that my family hated the idea of me doing a regular bypass, I got much more support chosing the VBG since it was less invasive.

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?

My biggest fears would have to have been dying or just losing it after surgery. I used to have nightmares that I would wake up after surgery and see my incision (knowing I was having the surgery open) and want to rip out all of my stitches myself. I learned that it is very normal to have apprehension and even nightmares about things like this. After all it is kind of a traumatic event.

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 hated my decision. During the process of getting the surgery approved until afterwards, they hated it. Even now, 3 years later, they still think I was crazy for doing it.

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

I didnt work because I couldnt.

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

My hospital stay was pretty much a blur. Aside from knowing that I had SEVERE anxiety/panic disorder problems, it was ok. I was there about 4 days. Personally, there isnt much you can bring that would make things better. I took pictures of my kids, some writing paper/pens, a puzzle book, and some other stuff, but none of it really mattered. All I wanted to do was sleep and take my psych. meds.

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

The only complication was just that I was unable to take my psych medication for so long afterwards, my anxiety/panic disorder was very hard to deal with. The nurses at FVRH were wonderful. They would sit there and talk to me and just be there for me. I have never known such wonderful people that work at a hospital before.

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 was happy and ready the whole time. It wasnt until my surgery day and I was on the operating table that I had a change of heart. I didnt want to go through with it. I told them no, but they either didnt hear me or didnt care one or the other. So I did it.

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

The first few weeks were aweful. I was still hungry, my family would sit around the table and eat all the wonderful things I had been used to and not even understand how I felt about it. I was extremely uncomfort able trying to sleep, but I did manage thanks to a wonderful gift, a body pillow. Also I had trouble getting my hands above my head to wash my hair so I ended up getting a hand held shower head. Another really good investment. Yes I was sore, but I still walked, I drank my water and took my pills and I got through it, so will you. It just takes time, patience, and the will to not give up.

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

I only had to go about 2 blocks away from my home which was nice.

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.

Ok, week by week, not much changed, 3 years later, I can still only eat maybe a cup total of whatever food I see. I dont eat meat because it is hard to swallow, I dont eat lettuce for the same reason. I dont eat bread because I feel like it gets trapped in my throat and it just makes me gag.

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

I was as active as I could be. Walking constantly, moving around was a plus, it made me feel more in control of my situation. I was able to walk more and more every day.

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

I take tums on a regular basis but other than that, I dont take anything.

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?

vomiting was the worst for me. I still feel like an overweight bulemic. Its hard to cope with, but I manage.

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

Feeling like I was going to fail before I had begun and since I was not able to reach my goal weight in a "standard amount of time" still feeling like a failure.

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

There are a few support group meetings a month through my doctor. Personally I haven't been to any of them. I feel it more important and more help to have the support and encouragment of my family and friends. After all they are the ones who have to live with me.

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

It is wide on top and thin on bottom and looks nasty. It is a lot bigger than I expected it to be, but I am getting over it I guess.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

So far I have been on a plateau for 2 months. It is hard and heart breaking to hit a plateau after only 5 months but to know that as long as I keep on walking it will pass to, just like the other things.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I actually get looks and whistles from guys, when I go into a resteraunt the seaters dont go out of their way to put me in a reinforced chair or at a table instead of a booth. Generally they are nicer.