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

I found out many years ago through the media and a friend who knew of people who had it done, but my husband wasn't in agreement at that time for me to have it done. Years passed, and I heard about Carnie Wilson and Al Rourker having it done. I became interested once again about it in Oct.2002. This time my husband was in agreement.

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

My particular insurance co. wanted explicit details from my PCP about my diet and exercise. They wanted proof that I had done this for at least 6 months within 2 yrs. Without it, I wouldn't be eligible. Of course my PCP was prepared to prove his involvement with my diet. I say to others whose insurance requires the same info, to make sure you have everything documented.

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

Since I had attended many informative meetings, I felt as if I already knew Dr. T. The day I met him for a consultation was one of the most hopeful days of my life. He assured me I was a canidate for this surgery and also for LAP procedure as well. I made sure I had a list of questions for him and he answered every one of them. What I have to say to others is...be very prepared with your questions and concerns.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided to have the surgery in Oct.2002. My weight and health got to an all time high. I weighed 260 Lbs at the time and my poor health continued to deteriate. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain in my knees, back and feet. I was short of breath and developed asthma and sleep apnea. I knew I was at risk of a heart attack. I knew when my husband had to push me around in a wheel chair at the amusement parks, it was time to do something. This was my last resort. By this time my weight climed to 290 Lbs.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided on the RYN-Lap procedure because I have heard of a great deal of success with it and lasting results. I found this to be the avenue for me!

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?

Of course I feared the worse. "Death", but I was also dying a slow death doing what I was doing. I knew of the complications of developing a blood clot too, but I knew I was prepared to do whatever it took, to prevent them..That meant, walk, walk, walk!!! Just like any surgery, there are risks, I was willing to take them and I am glad I did! I had to lean on and count on God to see me through all my fears and give me the peace only He could give.

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 very supportive. In fact many of them were there when I went into surgery, that's who much they supported me! After my surgery, my husband was the most supportive, he had done things for me that I couldn't do for myself that only someone who truly loves you can do for you. I will forever be greatful to my husband. My other family and friends were there for me too. With calls, meals, cards, flowers,a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and to laugh with. This is when you know who your true family and friends are. They are still encouraging me after 7 months.

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

I am retired

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

I stayed in a fairly new hospital with state of the art facilities for Bariatric Surgery. They were all private spacious rooms. Very accomodating. I was there for 4 days. The most important things to bring are pictures of your loved ones, comfortable slippers, I personally didn't wear my own nightwear...they were too uncomfortable. I used the hospital gowns instead. After surgery, my senses were much more sensitive..certain odors were very bothersome, don't bring perfume, my sense of hearing was intensified too...I couldn't have the tv on or it had to be very low. Loud voices botherd me too...very strange I know..but very true. The main thing that bothered me was smells.

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

The only thing that really bothered me was the gas pain from having LAP done. I could only take liquid morphine when I went home.

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 felt so excited. Unfortunatley, I ate out of my anxiety. I gained an extra 30 Lbs before my surgery date. I knew I would never be able to eat like that again and eat certain foods again. But I heard that this behavior was normal.

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

It was very difficult to move around and get comfortable. I experienced a great deal of pain. I got sick the first week, but then it subsided. I say to give yourself the first 2 months to really recouperate. Don't push yourself..even if you feel better..Take it slow and easy...but make sure you do push yourself to walk!!! Thats the key!

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

I traveled one hour away and it didn't affect my aftercare at all.

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.

The first month I was on liquids ONLY!!! They consisted of protien shakes, broth, sugar free ice pops, crystal light, which I couldn't tolerate and water, water, water!!!! After the first month, I was able to have a soft diet. Seafood, cheese (which is my main friend til this day)eggs, and protien bars. After 8 weeks, then meats and veggies were reintroduced along with salad and fruit. Eggs layed heavy on me at first but now I can tolerate them. Diet soda is allowed now, but non-caffenated. I can only drink soda once in awhile, maybe once a month. My main source of fluid intake is water. It takes me about all day to get in my 64oz. So I stay away from the soda. I can eat just about anything I'm allowed.

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

I was slow moving for the first few weeks, but I forced myself to walk twice a day. After 2 months, things really got much easier for me.

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

I take two multi vitamins w/iron a day, B-12 shot once a month, chewable calcium w/vit.D and magnisium twice a day. One protien bar a day and one protien shake. I get the rest of my protien in food.

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 vomited the first week after surgery. My hair loss is minimal. I am 7 months post of and still have some hair falling out...not noticeable. I dumped only three times since surgery. I cope with my hair loss because I know its only for a time and it;s not that noticeable.

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

The worst part was the pain. mainly from the gas used in my procedure.

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

I attend a support grp. twice a month and they are very helpful and important to be accountable. As new info comes up we are the first to hear about it. We learn ways from one another to cope.

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

I have five small incisions from LAP procedure. I am very pleased with them. They are not big at all..

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

No real plateaus yet. Loosing approx. 10 lbs a month.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes! I get compliments everywhere I go from people who know I have had the surgery. People I haven't seen in awhile are amazed to see the change in me. I feel that people treat me differently now because I treat myself differntly too.