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

Years ago, a nurse I knew died because at that time they unhooked your stomach and then later hooked you back up. All of her other organs stopped functioning such as her liver and she eventually died. It scared me. Then I began hearing how safe it has gotten to be.

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

I have two insurances. Mine approved on first submission. My husband's insuance denied twice. Then when I threatened to go to an attorney they finally approved. They did try one last trick after that though. He belongs to a union and they tried to say they had not gotten any hours since August of 2002. He had worked steadily for the same company for the last three years, most of which was in another state under a different local. The hours had been sent in. I complained to the union.

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

It was very informative and I was very comfortable in his office. I had done lots of research both on the internet and by talking to people who had surgery during several months prior. I talked to people who had uneventful surgical experiencs and people who had problems. I made a list of questions, problems I was experiencing and opinions that I had from others. All issues were covered and I was totally at ease and made my decision then and there.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The level of comfort with the surgeon and his staff. They told me that they required all potential patients to go to a half a dozen screenings with people in related areas. Pulmonary, Sleep Apnea, Psychological, cardiac, etc. Since I already had a history of acid reflux and hiatial hernia I was scheduled for an endoscope and colonscope. I brought with me letters from my Gynocologist explaining I had cystic ovary syndrom which causes hormone imbalance and contributes to obesity. I also brought a letter from my Podiatrist about my ongoing foot problems that were weight related. I also included a letter from my Gastrologist, and my family practiioner about my gerd, hiatal hernia, galbladder disease, my hisory of extreme depression and high blood pressure. I asked questions about fixing those and other health problems I had been experiencing.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I had also done research about the different types of weight loss and the pros and cons of open versus laproscopic surgey.

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 have been aware from other surgeries that some complications are common any time you are under anathesia. I am a Christian and have spent many hours talking to my savior about this. Years ago I had a near head on collision when another driver swerved into my lane on purpose and made my peace with him at that time. I decided when it is my time to go I would be ready and to this day feel that way. I now in my heart he watches out for me and when he is ready for me to take my place I will go. You can be sure he will watch out for your loved ones.

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 kids were very supportive. My husband was a little scared and wanted me to try yet another diet. My parents had worried about my health for years after watching an obese Aunt die of Diabetic complications and my sisters (5) were all behind me 100% My friends all have been with me during most of my diet tries being in a Bible study that at one time had done a diet, exersize and Bible study so they were all supportive too.

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

My employer was also very supportive. I had been on an exersize/workout program, had foot surgery and experience weight related problems during my six years there. Since I am a valuable employee they wished me the best and have been asking when I would be back and assuring me that they need me.

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

I was in the hospital three days. The staff at Carson Tahoe Hospital were awesome starting with the preop team. They got me ready and kept me comfortable and happy. They were all so nice. I even confided in them that I was not comfortable going to ICU after because of a doctor that works there that I feel is not very competent. When I returned there for recovery they kept me until 8:00 PM even tho my surgery had been at 9:45 AM. The hospital was very full being so close to the holidays and they kept me until there was a room availabe. They were delightful and assured me that they were not busy as I was the only patient most of the time. I brought my own zip up robe to cover my assets so that I would not get a cold breeze back there or funny looks when walking the halls. Warm slippers as the floors can be cold and include your whole family as they keep you cheerful.

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

None what so ever. I did learn pretty quickly that eating too fast can be uncomfortable, so slowed back down. I have felt so good, no pain, only pressure that I wanted to get back to normal as soon as I could. I did start eating regular foods by the end of the first week, only chewing very well. It helps when things start tasting normal again after the anasthetic gets out of your system. I also am eating very high protein foods, cottage cheese, yogurt, small quantities of meats, eggs etc. and have had no hair loss. I also went to the health food store and got liquid vitamins, trace minerals, extra vitamin E (for tissue healing) MSM (for healing) chewable vitamin C and others. I also spent months prepring my body to be in the best shape. I took vitamin E, MSM and Glucosomine, as well as lots of vitamins. When ever I felt like I was getting a cold as surgery drew near I took Zicam to make the duration and symptoms short.

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 extatic. It helped that by that time I knew 30 or 40 people who had already had surgery. Since I work in a busy grocery store I told every body about it. I just called up someone who had already had surgery and got encouragement.

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

I couldn't sleep flat down in bed, even with pillows, too hard to get up. It is a lot different than a hospital bed. So I slept in a recliner for about a week and a half. My teenage kids got me food so that I did not have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking etc. while learning to cope with such small quantities. I have some old Tupperware containers that are two and four ounces, so I measured faithfully till I got used to it. Now I use a small Tupperware desert plate to eat off.

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

Only 25 miles. It is the local hospital. Not at all, we travel this for most major shopping etc.

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.

At first I ate blended foods. But by one week I tried cottage cheese, yogurt and soft cheeses. I tolerate milk products well (good thing because I love milk and cheese) Then I added things like tuna, mac and cheese (to give myself a little starch), finally salmon, and shrimp and bananas. In a short while I was eating deli sliced meats and chewing well. I cheated and tried two chocolate covered cherries (it was Christmas time) and had dumping syndrom, learned my lesson. I then made homemade high protein soups like beans and ham and clam chowder. All went real well as long as I eat slow and chew well. Now at five weeks I made taco's and just ate meat and cheese with a small amount of lettuce and tomatoes. No problems at all. I have always been able to eat spicy foods even with acid reflux syndrom.

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

The first week it was pretty cold so I went to our grocery store and walked around for a little and visitd with friends. I increase this a little each day. When I got tired I sat. After a couple of weeks I started walking around my neighborhood. I behaved and did't try any house work till about 4 and a half weeks. Today I walked 1 and 1/2 miles in town when going to my doctor appointment and then walked both Costco and Super Walmart and even stopped and got groceries. I am ready to go back to work. Dr. Skogerson released me for next Monday since I may have to lift 40 pounds (but I know the courtesy clerks will help with that for a while)

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

I listed all those in question 12.

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?

Just the one incidence with the Choc covered cherries. I have since eaten several small candies sent home by my daughter who is an exchange student in Hungary. Nothing else. Luck Me.

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

I am blessed to be a very active albiet obese person so nothing was bad. Nothing. I have a high tolerence to pain so only took medication while on the IV. After that none

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

We have a once a month support group sponsered by Dr. Skogerson and his staff. I have been going for 10 months, even before surgery. They are great including having a clothing exchange. When down before surgery, it was great to go talk to the others and listen to their storie. This web site has been awesome. I received so many letters of encouragement before hand I felt very blessed.

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

My scar is 7 1/2 inches long. Just hairline thin with staple marks. Who cares. It looks so much better than bulges and celulite. As of March 25, 2005. My scar is very small, a really thin line. I want to tell everybody that I prepared for the year prior to surgery by taking vitamins, minerals etc to make my body as healthy as possible. I healed marvously fast.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had several plateaus. The first year was slow and steady. Then I would stop loosing for several weeks to a month. The weight loss would resume after my body reapportioned itself. I would loose inches, instead of pounds. Then the weight would go down again. The last plateau lasted several months. Everyone kept telling me I looked thinner but I couldn't tell that I was loosing. i have 50 more pounds to go but can truthfully say that If I never go any further down, I can live with myself this way.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Oh yes, I don't hear many rude comments any more. As a result of my surgery I would say at least 15 other people had surgery and are on the road to good health.