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

I went to a large seminar for Obesity at my local hospital. I listened to the procedure (I had already started researching on the net) and I actually listened to a lady tell her story. She looked very familar to me, but could not place her. After the official seminar was over I had decided that I could take the challenge and change my life. The lady speaker walked up to me, and said I know you from TSC where you used to work, I am so-en-so, I was floored. She then told me that I should go do this surgery that I had the personality that could do it with my eyes closed! I was in total shock, but knew that I was going to do this for myself.....

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

Insurance approval was a piece of cake! I was told by my Dr. for year that I needed to lose weight, that my blood pressure was a very serious matter, in fact they pulled me off oral contreceptives due to my blood pressure. I say make sure that you see your regular Dr. on a regular basis, let them know how you really are feeling!

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

I was nervous, but had met Dr. Symmonds at the seminar. I had also done my research on the hospital website so I knew his medical education and history with the hospital. I was excited that he was able to schedule me when he did.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I talked to and saw a lady that I knew for years, and she was amazing. She told me what she did, and said she knew I could do it too. When I found that I would only be out a co-payment, I decided that I was doing this for myself, so I could live a longer life and enjoy it more.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was able to have the Roux-en-Y lapriscopically, but during surgery they had problems with my "old" stomach, so they opened me up to repair & to make sure that my new pouch held.

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 only had fears about general surgery, had never had any kind of major surgery as an adult. I had a slight fever going into surgery that morning, and as a result got a secondary infection at one of the Lap sites. They had to open it up and it had to be packed to heal from the inside out. It was a pain, but not painful. Keep yourself in the best possible health before surgery as you can, let God and the surgical team take care of the rest!

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 Mum was hesitant at first. But once she realized that I was really going to do this she got on the band wagon 150%. My husband has ALWAYS been supportive of whatever I do, and gave his full support to help me where and when he could. He took GREAT care of me after my Mum went back home. He made sure I did my vitamins and drank plenty of water and did my walking! Now my husband looks at me and says you have always been beautiful to me, but now you are over the top! My family has been great! Thanks!

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 Wonderful! My Branch manager even came to visit me while I was in the hospital. I was out longer than expected due to them having to open me up, but my employer said you take however long you need till you can come back healthy. I was out of work for one month, then worked another month part time. The surgery took alot of my energy so I tired easily.

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

My first day I do not remember. I had surgery at 7am on a Wednesday. I remember talking to the recovery room nurses and an X-ray tech that was a friend...after that things were a blur. My second day in the hospital was HORRIBLE! I hurt alot, was doing my pump every chance I got and thought there is no way in hell I am going home tomorrow unless I get some real sleep! Fortunately after I had my swallow and was allowed to drink water my head started to clear. I was very shaky walking around that night. Hair brush and tooth brush are the only things you really have to have besides a good robe to go home in!

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

Yes, had an insicion get a secondary infection, the wound site became infected and burst. It happened one week after surgery, and I was scared that I might have something seriously wrong. The wound site was the only spot that actually "hurt" after I got out of the hospital. I was still running a low grade fever till the day the wound burst. I went to my surgeon's office, where his nurse opened it up, cleaned it out and showed me how to hand pack it. My husband packed that open wound for three months (started 3 times per day, then twice, then once). We went thru alot of gauze and paper tape!

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 weak as a kitten for the first three days after I got home, but slowly built up my strength. After the first week, I was still weak, but felt pretty good! I felt no anxiety, only frustrated with my wound. It was prolonging my recovery plan that I set out for myself.

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

Plan to have a people sitter the first week! And have a good recliner or easy bed to get in and out of to sleep in. I have a waterbed, not easy to climb in and out of or sit up when your tummy has just had surgery!

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

We live in the same City as the hospital, only 14 miles away, and a ten minute drive.

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 have stuck to the diet perscribed by my dietian to the letter! I only ate what she said I could, always tested food (still do) at home and slowly I could eat most anything. Every week I would add more items from my protein list provided by her, and every month she would upgrade me to things like real veggies! Best advice is to go slow.....CHEW CHEW CHEW and remember that you have a small child's tummy that might not like certain foods.

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

The very first week I moved VERY carefully and slowly. I had to build up my stamina again. I have always been a very active person, so it was hard for me to tire so easily. I just planned my days differently.

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

EVERY DAY I take my One a Day Essentials for women and I take calcium. Once per week I do liquid B12. My blood work has been done thoroughly twice and I am in great condition...probably the healthiest I have ever been in my life. I make sure to eat my Protein first, and drink TONS of water!

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 had a secondary infection, it was just a pain. I only have had an upset stomach right after surgery for the first few weeks. I had severely trapped gas that was remedied by taking malox max! I had to take liquid tylenol for pain for the first couple of weeks, but over all me and my new tummy are happy together! I always know right away if something disagrees with me, so I just start slow and don't do things that make me ill.

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

Not enough rest in the hospital. Once I could actually sleep more than 15 minutes without interuption, I did really well. The only other thing that was difficult was having the swallow test. I had not had much sleep, in a moderate amount of pain, and they expected (and made me) stand up inside the machine to do the test without being able to hang onto a rail or something. That was nearly impossible for me that day...but I did it!

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

Scott& White hospital Bariatric unit has a support group that meets on a regular basis. I have not attended a meeting to this date. I have an excellent support structure in my family & with my friends.

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

My Scar????? You mean SCARS... I have the small lap scars which are no big deal and then I have a lovely "zipper" that was my extra bonus! I was not happy about the "zipper" right after surgery, but since they only did it to prevent post surgery problems I am glad they did it. The scars themselves after 10 months have faded nicely. I put vitamin E on them on a regular basis, and I rub on the zipper to make it not so bumpy. So far the top part of it is smmmmooooth, and the bottom is coming along.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have not plateau'd at all. I did not start out losing like 40 lbs per month or crazy like that. I have consistantly lost about 2-4 pounds per week since the begining. I am now eating some carbs, so I have actually started slowing down, but I am still chugging water and exercising so I expect to drop the last 12-15 off before my 1 year date.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I am the kind of person that people really like right away or really dislike right away. So even though I have changed physically, mentally I am about the same. I still speak my mind (sometimes at the wrong moments)and still have a very positive attitude. I have noticed that in restraunts when I order something that I know I can't eat all of, they will ask me if I want a to go box. Before they would assume that I could polish it off.