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

My former boss had it done and it was very sucessful. I thought it was out of my reach and I thought that I had to try once more to do it on my own. Somehow, I felt that I was a failure if I did not do this myself. Finally, I came to the conclusion that I had not failed. My phsych. eval. Dr. said that I was far from a failure that if you took my family history and genetics into account and that I had spent 25 years battling this disease, how could I consider myself a failure? It made sense to me! Then, I started getting on the web to find out more and the more I found out the better and better it got. I think the fact that I had a source like this one made me very educated and knowledgable and I could make good decisions!!

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

Mine went pretty well. I had to do a diet history, get a blood test to show my stomach was in good condition, get a pshyc. evaluation and a recommendation from my surgeon that this was medically necessary. From all this I was approved by my insurance Co. (CIGNA) the first letter! I was lucky! and then I had my consultation and set the surgery date! Don't give up - the first time I applied to have the surgery done at the Bariatric Center and that was turned down because Cigna doesn't cover them, but as soon as I found a Cigna surgeon I was approved and I thank God for leading me to the right one!

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

I went with my husband and I think it is a good idea to bring an objective person along that might have other questions. Bring a list of questions,don't expect to just remember everthing you want to ask. My surgeon, Dr. Michael Wood, was very thorough in his consultation and answered most of our questions before we got to ask them. He took all the time we needed and spoke to us at our level of understanding. I never felt rushed or that any question was unimportant. I would recommend him to anyone!

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I pretty much stated that above. It was as it should be - the last effort I could do. I needed this tool to help me help me!!! It is a tool and you still have to put the right things into your mouth and you have to exercize.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I studied the different procedures on line. I liked that the micropouch does not stretch. My surgeon has never had to do a revision on his pouches. I no longer get heartburn and I do not get gas with his procedure.

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 was scared!! but, I realized that I was killing myself with my obesity. Anytime you have a major surgery there is a chance that something could go wrong. It may have nothing to do with the particular surgery. I had to realize that and accept that everyday you could have an accident or something. We are not promised the next day. My odds were for a better life if I did this. I knew that I had chosen the best surgeon and I prayed and left it in God's hands. With knowledge and faith I knew I was making the best decision.

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?

I had 99% support!! Most of my family and friends were very excited for me!! My co-workers were very supportive as well. Two friends did not like the decision and my Father and husband were frightened! My husband was very supportive but, scared for me! I could not have done it without his support!! Ijust was amazed at how excited everyone was for me!

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

I told him the truth and spoke to my Human Resources about it and they were very very supportive. No problems at all.

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

I was at St. Johns Riverview Hospital. The things I brought were: a robe,magazines,brush,chapstick is very vital!! I was in the hospital for 5 days and could not wait to get out of there. I felt like I was a nuisence for the nurses. I got up and walked around by myself as they never came to help me walk - I was glad that I had knowledge and knew what I needed to do. My surgeon was very helpful and got me into a private room and talked to the nursing staff. I have been in hospitals for minor surgery before and had excellent treatment. I literally hated every second I was in this hospital and was always so relieved to hear my husbands footsteps because then I knew I would get ice cubes and assistance in going to the bathroom,ect. I might add that I am an easygoing person and that I know nurses have a lot of work to do - the treatment there was just really bad. I did talk to the head nurse after I was released because my surgeon contacted her and she did address my complaints with the staff.

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

none at all. I made sure that I followed my Dr.'s instructions to the letter and I had lots of help and support. My advice is to let those that want to help and pamper you do it!!! I was lucky though and had no problems. I didn't even feel that the pain was that bad.

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 only had 5 days to prepare and I am so glad because, right after I got the date I started to panic. My husband said " now listen, you have researched this for a year and you know what you are doing - you are not backing out now" My work knew that it was going to be soon - not that soon - but, they were fine with it. Like I said the short waiting period made the anxiety less. Also, my surgery was early in the morning so I was still half asleep when I got to the hospital and then it all progressed quickly. The surgical staff was wonderful by the way!!!

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

I had prepared by making sure all the things I would be allowed to digest were at home waiting for me. I had either my mother or my mother in law with me at all times for the first two weeks. My mother gave my blood thinning shots which helped because I just couldn't do it! I must have a good tolerance for pain because I felt better not taking the pain medicine that I was sent home with - too strong!! Oddly enough my incision didn't hurt but, my back did. All in all it was alot better than I had prepared myself for! I had never had major surgery before. When I protested that I was being overpampered, I was told to enjoy it that the opportunity doesn't come along very often!!

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

I was only an hour away from the hospital. Not bad at all. No adverse affects!

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 two weeks were clear liquids, then I was on full liquids for 2 weeks. At four weeks I started pureed food ( yuck ) of course at the time it seemed good I guess. After 2 or 3 wks. of that I was to SLOWLY introduce a solid a day and remember to chew,chew, and then chew some more. I used baby spoons so I could not get too much at a time. I eat absolutly no sweets, nothing fried, and I have eliminated starches. I do however eat 1/2 a Yam every so often as they are so full of nutrients! I eat chicken breast or turkey for meat. I still at 14 wks. don't eat beef as it is still harsh. I eat alot of cottage cheese, cheese sticks, refried beans ( in water ) go down well. Since I can't have pasta, I get spagetti squash!! I eat low fat,low sugar yogurt, fruits, some cooked veggies but, most still upset my stomach. I still have to work very hard at not eating too fast or chewing enough. It will come back up if I do not chew well enough!!As a snack or desert I can have sugar free jello or sugar free popscicles!! It's not too bad, I just remind myself that I wanted this badly and of course since you get full faster it helps!

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

baby steps LOL ! The first few days it was just slow walks around the house every so often. As it was winter I didn't go outside much at all. After 2 weeks I went to the Dr.'s office and then a trip to the grocery store! YEE HAW. After 4 wks I was back to work. I have a desk job so not too much walking. After 6 weeks I began a walking routine and now can do up to 4 miles a day - not too bad for 3 1/2 months!

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

I have a protien suppliment that I take with skim milk and carnation instant breakfast (sugar free) I also take chewable childrens vitamins!

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 had no problems other than ones I cause myself if I eat too fast or don't chew enough! Then it will come up! I have not cheated by having sweets so I have not dumped at all. No hair loss yet and I hope to prevent that by making sure I get the protien in and takeing the vitamins.

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

The hospital stay and needing help with the bathroom department. You lose all modesty LOL!! Now that I am past the beginning I am very glad that it is done. All in all as you can read above I had a pretty easy time of it. I must stress though that I was very prepared and there were really no shocks. I would tell any one just do your homework!! and go to support groups either in person or at a site like this!

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

Most of my support is on line. This website is the best and I am in a group called the Millinuem Bobs. I don't really have a support group very near me, But I am online daily with my friends!! It is very important and you learn so much. Plus it keeps you from feeling alone in this.

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

I had open surgery so my scar is from my breast bone to just past my belly button! I love it - It is my badge of honour! I use cocoa butter to keep it soft and I am told that my surgeon did a beautiful job - very straight and neat! I have also been told that in a year or so it will be greatly faded!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

My only real complaint is that I started plateauing so quickly!! Especially since I have no sugars, no fats, and no starches!! I exercise and do not cheat!! I will go weeks and only lose 2-3 lbs. That is hard. I am trying to do better with my water intake and keep the exercise going but, I do sometimes get frustrated that my loss seems so much slower than everyone else in my groups!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, mostly they are just so excited and want to know about every little thing. I don't feel as self consience as I used to, even though I am still quite overweight I am down almost 50 lbs.