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

I saw Carnie Wilson on the cover of People. That same day I saw James Wilburn on the front page of our newspaper, I called him and went to a support meeting 4 days later and met Dr. Igwe. I was all for everything I learned! I sent my informations packet to Dr. Fobi the next mailing day! I am all for this surgery. of course I am still pre-op, but I want to be on the other side. I want my life back.

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

I went to my PCP to get my referral. I was denied by my insurance saying I need more time on a more nutritional approach. I am appealing it of course!!

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

I really liked Dr. Fisher when I first met him. He is up front, honest and really cares about his patients.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I am so miserable being this heavy. I have tried everything. I feel this is the answer for me.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I met people who have had the Fobi Pouch and rave about it. I feel comfortable with all the research I have done. I feel I would be best suited for gastric bypass. I think it will do the most 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?

I still am scared, but what is going to happen to me if I don't do this? Will I die of a heart attack? Develop diabetes? I don't know. I know I will be terrified the day of surgery, but I will get through it.

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?

Family and friends are supportive. Some are still worried, but I expect that.

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

My employer is very supportive. I told her how unhappy I am with my weight and that it affects my performance. She is happy I made this decision. I drive a school bus and I can take the time off. I have been off work for 6 weeks.

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 good. The nurses and doctors were very nice. No one made me feel like and "object" or like I was an animal in a lab. I was there for 4 days. I had my surgery on a Monday and I was released on a Thursday. I didn't bring a whole lot. I was very glad I brought 2 of my own pillows. I brought a robe, slippers, chapstick and my glasses! Oh, bring a fan! I was so hot!

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

I did have complications. Dr. Fisher was going to gastric bypass on my but ended up having to do a VBG. Once he got inside, he saw how many adhesions and scar tissue I had from a previous surgery. He tried to free up my small intestine, but it had adhered itself way down in my pelvis. He spoke to my husband and sai to comtinue to try and free it up would endanger my life. So he was able to do a VBG for me instead of nothing. My surgery was supossed to be about an hour and a half, but instead it was 4 hours. I was disappointed at first about not having the gastric bypass, but I think now I am happy with the VBG because I think it works better for me since I had problems with my small intestine.

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 disappointed it was so far away, but then it got moved up two whole months! I was SOOO excited! I was nervous, because it is surgery. I was afraid I wouldn't wake up. I just talk to lots of people and asked them what they did to calm down, and I got a lot of help from friends and family.

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

I recuperated at my parents for the first 4 weeks afterward. I couldn't bend over and had trouble sitting up by myself. I had to sleep propped up on he couch. It was the only comfortable way for me to sleep. I might have been in more pain due to the extra stuff Dr. Fisher had to do for my surgery. I found that the more I moved around and walked, the better I would feel. I also ate for nutrition, even thought I was NOT hungry. I knew I had to eat for my strength. People should expect to take it easy. Rest when you are tired. Be good to yourself and drink lots of water. Eat slow, and chew your food!

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

I had to travel about 500 miles. I was in the same state, but I had to go from Reno to Las Vegas. My aftercare was good. While I was at my parents recuperating in southern California, I was able to see De. Fobi for aftercare so I didn't have to travel back to Las Vegas. Dr. Fisher didn't want me doing that. I am home now and will go see Dr. Fisher for a 3 month check up at the end of October.

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 am 6 weeks post op tomorrow. I can't tolerate chicken for some reason. It makes me vomit no matter how well I chew it. I have not had soda or alcohol. I drink water, crystal light and milk. That's about it. I can tolerate just about anything. I stay away from corn, gum, soda, grapes, and anything with a skin on it. Fried foods bother me too. Like fast food. I try not to eat anything too greasy. It makes me nausous.

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

I walk just about every other evening. Each time I walk, I try and go further. I know my activity level will increase as I lose more weight.

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

The only vitamin I take is a children's chewable every 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 have not had any dumping since I had VBG. I get nausous when I eat too fast. I have been vomiting when I eat to fast. I have to remember to slow down! I feel I am sleeping better than I did pre op. The vomiting has been the worst, but that is my own fault. I have to slow down. I am coping pretty well. At least I know when I am going to vomit! Then I can be in the right place!

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

The worst part for me so far is the head hunger. Thinking I am starving when I am not. I think about a certain food and I just want to stuff my face. I don't, but I may eat too fast. I think about the large quatities I used to eat and sometimes miss being able to pack it away, but Iam so glad I can't!

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

There is a monthly support meeting here for WLS and I plane to attend that.

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

My scar is ok. I had a 14 inch scar from a previous surgery, so this once does not bother me at all. It's right over my old one. I knew what to expect and what it was going to look like, so I didn't freak out at all. I like i. It reminds me of what I wwent through to get this.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I was on a plateau for a couple of weeks. It's very frustrating. I don't know what I did to get off it. I think I increased my exercise. I hate plateaus.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not yet, but I am looking foward to that.