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

I educated myself by way of the internet. I began talking to people and then my friend had the surgery. At first I remember thinking how radical it was and why should I have to put myself through that just to peacefully try to co-exist in this prejudiced world? But then the benefits outweighed the negatives as I got serious about my research.

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

I was fortunate because I already gathered a lot of information and also my Primary Care Physician was on my side. So, together my doctor and I contacted the HMO Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and within 3 weeks I had my approval and my surgical referral in hand! It was a pleasant experience, unlike some negative ones I have heard of. I recommend people to be informed and in contact with their Primary doctors, if they on HMO. This seems to work best, with everyone informed and on the "same page", so to speak.

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

My surgeon, Dr. James Madura, made a great and warm first impression on me. I feel it went well because I did my homework and came in as an informed patient. Being informed makes the whole process easier to understand, it removes apprehension and allows for better Doctor and Patient communication.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I had a horrible quality of life, as I live alone. I was trapped in my 300 lb. body and could not sustain exercise programs or dieting. I simply reached the end of the rope and was sick and tired of being discriminated against. I realized my world was becoming smaller and smaller and still I do not leave the house on the weekends or in the evenings after work. I am truly looking forward to being healthy and to leading a more productive life, full of activity and exercise programs.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My health history will determine that. Dr. Madura plans to do an laparascopic RNY, but may have to do it open, due to past gynecologic surgery. Let's hope for the lap 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?

I am keeping the fears of complication and death at bay.....sort of like being nice to a mean dog that wants to bite you. Keeping these thoughts at bay is what is allowing me to focus on the positive of recovery, great weight loss and good health. But if worse comes to worse, I am prepared to die for this chance. I would be sad to leave my family. But I am ready! If I do not have this surgery, I will die a slow death anyway from co-morbidities that will begin to get me.

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?

Everyone was apprehensive at first but I surround myself with loved ones that are intelligent and have my best interests at heart. When they learned of the procedure and my enthusiasm for this, they became my cheering section. I will have a lot of support in close family and select friends! I know they will support me even more after surgery, especially when they see the weight come off.

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

I was at Rush-Chicago for 1-1/2! It was a great experience, with little or no pain - just minor tolerable discomfort. The nurses were great about helping me to get up and walk as soon as I could. They were somewhat informed about the dietary restrictions, although not as up-to-speed as I thought they should be....neither was the trays brought in for meals. Some things were too salty, or sugary, etc. But all in all, I had a good recovery and the room was great! I found I only needed my personal grooming items. You are just not there long enough to haul in a bunch of stuff. And besides, instead of sitting around reading, etc., the bariatric patients are supposed to be up and walking. I firmly believe that is the secret to less pain and quicker healing!

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

No surgical complications at all! At first, I was a bit constipated, where most bariatric patients suffer from diarrhea. A child's dose of milk of magnesia did the trick, though!

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Instead of becoming anxious, I faced the truth and got out of denial about how fat I'd gotten. I began to make dietary changes from the day of my consultation to the day of surgery and have not gone back to old habits since! I weighed 321 the day of my consultation and the day of surgery I weighed in at 304. So the changes began.

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

I took a full 30 days at home for recovery and food adjustments. Good thing I did! I spit up a lot due to fast eating, not chewing enough and foods that generally just did not agree with me. I feel I needed this time to figure out what foods worked and what to avoid. People should plan on this time for acclimation to their new digestive system.

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

I am in the surrounding Chicago suburban area, 16 miles from the hospital. Because I see my primary care physician more than the surgeon, the distance is not a problem.

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 and for 2 weeks, I only had liquids - jello, soy milk, chamomile teas, crystal lite, protein drinks, water and low fat broth.I once tried toast in the early days and promptly got sick. Everyone said to eat peanut butter.....to this day, I cannot tolerate it! Then I added some solids by the third week - like a few crumbles of ground turkey meat in the broth, some cottage cheese and saltine crackers. Oatmeal was good and so was Farina...I liked and tolerated the hot cooked cereals, but could not tolerate the cold cereal and milk combination. Then on the fourth week came tuna, chicken and fish - all cut up in very small pieces and going down very smoothly. Thereafter and about week six, I was eating 1/2 of a soft type of Lean Cuisine (about 4 to 6 oz) I now eat all wholesome food, fruits and vegetables, but still have a difficult time with any red meat, pork or rice and pastas. I find I just don't need them.

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

I sat around for 1 week 'cause I was sick a lot from the various foods I would try. Then I figured out I just needed to stick with liquids and get out to start walking. I learned early on that bariatric patients have a one-year window of opportunity, from surgery or when the weight loss begins, to regain any remaining elasticity in their skin, or to keep what elasticity they have. SO I began my exercise program with walking, stationary bike, lat pulls, rowing machine then ultimately joined "Curves." I felt Curves was the best overall workout out there for someone who was as sedentary as I was.

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

I take a multivitamin tablet, iron supplement, calcium and a liquid multivitamin as well as a hair nourishing complex. I also take a 81mg St. Joseph aspirin 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 have had no side effects that were disturbing except for the major loss of hair. The dumping syndrome does not last long and serves as a warning system to me....but I just cannot tolerate the hair loss thing. It is very depressing.

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

The current problem of loose skin and the hair loss, which continue to worsen, it seems.

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

I attend my surgeon's monthly support group at Rush-Chicago and also one locally to my home at Hinsdale Hospital, which also meets monthly. These sessions help in that any problems you have, others seem to have and sometimes solutions come up and you come away from the support meeting with a new objective or perspective on issues.

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

I had RNY Lap and have only 4 small puncture scars! Lucky Me!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Whenever I plateau, it is usually because of something I am not doing! Like, I plateau whenever I do not drink over 40 oz. of water. Or if I have even a small amount of chocolate, or low-fat ice cream. Any little diversion will cause a plateau. I find it is usually my fault. But sometimes I just give in to my cravings, have a small piece or bite and remember that I am on a weight loss journey. There will be turns and detours along the journey's road and I allow for that. THe main thing I do for myself is continue my weekly exercise program. Pretty soon, before you know it, the scale moves again!

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Somewhat - although I find I am angrier with certain people and sometimes it takes very little for me to go off on someone saying something that is perceived as stupid, I do notice people are more careful in their approach to me. Someone once told me I am not as nice as I was when I was heavier....I then answered this person by saying that was because in the past I thought I had to take their guff - now I realize I do not have to put up with being treated like a 2nd class citizen. Since I am out of denial, I really think we formerly obese people suffered many poor treatments due to the fact that we did not feel good about ourselves and therefore conveyed that to people who are only to willing to act in an ignorant manner toward us.