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

I think I first heard about bariatric surgery from the commercials on t.v. for a center in IL. I remember thinking, "I'd love to do that." But I did not get up the courage til about 8 years later. Man, I wish I'd done this sooner.

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

As soon as I decided I wanted to have the surgery, I called my insurance company (Anthem BCBS PPO) and asked them what the policy was and what was needed to get this approved. They faxed me the packet of information right away. I began working with the WISH Center in Downers Grove, IL then. They require most of the things the insurance does, before anything is sent to the insurance company. They have you fill out a packet of information including your past weight history, medical information, etc. They ask for a current physical. They have you meet with their nutritionist, exercise physiologist and psychiatrist. They take blood tests and ultrasounds. You then meet with one of their surgeons, who is wonderful about answering any questions you may have. They then have you speak with their administrative person regarding the insurance company. She then submits everything to the insurance company. I was approved in one day! I never had to follow-up with Anthem at all. My suggestion: Send as much paperwork as you can! I put together charts and graphs showing my weight progression over the years. I wrote a personal letter explaining why I needed this procedure done. She sent my medical history from the past 5 years, which was nothing more than 2 pregnancies and a 3-month medically supervised diet. The last thing we included was the letter of medical necessity from the primary care physician. Who knows if they actually looked at all of it or not, but it worked!

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

The first time I actually met my surgeon was at the free seminar the WISH Center hosts. He was incredibly open and honest and willing to answer any questions. I don't think I've ever dealt with a doctor as nice. You could really tell with him that he cares about what he does. I met with him again at my first appointment. We discussed what type of surgery I wanted, lap-band or gastric bypass. After I explained to him why I wanted the gastric bypass, we then discussed the different procedures for that type. I had so many questions for him and he was great. Not only did he answer all my questions, he was so relaxed and made it so easy to be open and honest with him. To get the most out of any meeting with the surgeon, just be open and honest about everything. Ask all the questions you have. If you can't have a surgeon who will be honest with you and take the time to make sure you're comfortable, then you need to find a new one.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

My 4-year old daughter was asking for candy and I told her it was not good for her. She said "Yeah, cause I don't want to get fat like you, huh Mommy?" That's when I said, "Ok, this is it." I'd been debating about the surgery for about two years. Also, I went to the free seminar by the WISH Center and once they said that being that much overweight could take 13-20 years off your life, I knew I had to do this.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I decided to have the gastric bypass done laproscopically. I knew I wanted a more permanent solution and the lap band just did not seem to be that solution. The statistics show you lose more weight with the gastric bypass and that's what I wanted.

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 was not really that worried. I had done my research and knew the team of doctors and nurses caring for me had an excellent reputation.

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 has been extremely supportive both before and after surgery. They all knew how badly I wanted and needed this surgery and had nothing but encouragment to give me.

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

My company was wonderful. I did not have any problems at all. I was out of work for 2 weeks.

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

My hospital stay went well. I was in the hospital a total of four days (3 1/2). You really don't need to bring much, but the tongs and baby wipes for the bathroom were a wonderful idea!!

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

My lung collapsed during surgery. All this meant was I had an extra tube coming out of my side while I was in the hospital. I had no complications from it and really felt just fine.

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 very anxious and ready. I was nervous, but just wanted to get it over with. I just kept myself thinking positively, working out and keeping busy to make the time go by!

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

I was tired. I had a little nausea, but no vomiting. I've really not had many problems at all. I do get tired quickly, but I am beginning to feel more energy. I'm still a little sore, but nothing major. I'm happy! I have not yet experienced the emotional roller coaster I hear about. I did have a day or two where I thought "Can I really handle this?" But seeing the weight come off is a real motivator.

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

I only had to drive about 10 minutes. We live in the same town as the hospital.

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.

I'm only 2 weeks out and I have had no problems with anything so far. I've had mashed potatoes, soup, tuna, jello, popsicles. So far, so good!

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

For the two weeks that I was at home after surgery, I took it easy. I did mild housework and we did go shopping some, but other than that I relaxed. I got up and did my walking around the house and made sure I took some naps. We have a 1 year old and a 4 year old, so my mother-in-law took them for me sometimes. She took the 1 year old everyday, since I'm not allowed to lift anything more than 20 pounds.

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

I'm taking calcium two times a day and a multivitamin and B-complex once a day.

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'm 3 1/2 months out, and very rarely have problems. I have not lost any hair or sleep. I have a few vomiting episodes, but not often. Maybe once a week.

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

Probably not being able to drink a lot of liquids. Well, not being able to gulp anything, really. You get sooo thirsty. I've had a very easy time so far, so I think that's the worst of it.

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

I went through the WISH Center and they have a monthly support program I go to. It is very helpful to meet with others who have had the surgery.

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

I had this done laproscopically, so I have 5 scars plus one on my side from a collapsed lung during the surgery. They are pretty small, maybe an inch long each. They are very slowly starting to fade away.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I've had a few small plateau periods, but I'm only 3 1/2 months out, so nothing too bad yet. The worst has been one 2-week period where I didn't really lose anything.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't think people are really treating me differently, but I notice I'm treating myself differently. I have so much more energy and I'm able to smile alot more. I've lost 98 pounds so far, so people do tell me how great I look and ask a lot of questions, but I haven't noticed anyone really treating me differently yet. I'm still 200 pounds, so maybe once I get under the 200 mark, we'll see!