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

I have heard of it for some time (work in an insurance office and have done approvals for people to have the surgery), but the first personal impression was when my sister had it and I went to visit her about a month after surgery. She still was unable to eat anything, looked awful and vomitted quite often. Not very impressed. Two years ago went to a meeting after reading about it in newspaper. Still not sure I would want to have it. Shortly thereafter, a co-worker had it. Said I would never do such a drastic thing.

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

Sent for approval on lapband surgery. They would not approve it as they felt it still had not been proven effective, and felt that most people who have had it end up having to have the RNY procedure. Approved me for RNY right away. But I still didn't want to have this done. Appealed two or three times for lapband. No luck. After 3 months or so decided to go ahead with the RNY. I advise anyone who is having WLS approved, make sure you have your dr send any history you have of weight lost attempts, medical problems being caused or exacerbated by your morbid obesity. If you are denied, appeal, appeal, appeal. Some companies automatically deny until you appeal.

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

I had gone to one dr and had several upsets and was unable for him to do the surgery. First visit to the dr who actually did my surgery was very informative. Answered all my questions. I think everyone should go in with a list of questions. Make sure they have done all their research. Also, take someone with you. Sometimes you will be so anxious about the meeting that you will forget what you are being told.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I was not happy with myself. My health was beginning to suffer. My husband is on disability SS and will eventually be unable to take care of himself. I knew I couldn't help him in my condition.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The only 2 I had considered were the lapband and RNY. Insurance would only cover RNY.

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 had many upsets in trying to get surgery approved. Even began to think that God was trying to tell me not to have it. Once I had done my research and met with the surgeon, I felt more confident. I did make my peace with family and friends and prepared a list of things my husband should know if anything should happen to me. Shortly before my surgery date, unable to sleep from worrying about things. Had to get sleeping pills to cope. I would advise anyone if they have doubts, think long and hard before you make the 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?

Husband was worried about losing me, but once he saw that I had made up my mind about the surgery, he fully supported me. Co-workers were also apprehensive about my having the surgery. After my surgery, when they saw how well I was doing, they came around. Husband and son have been fully supportive

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

Asked me if I was sure I wanted to do it. I assured her that I did. Returned to work 11 days after surgery part-time. Full time a week later.

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

In general, it wasn't too bad. I had some trouble with nurses not being able to be as helpful as they should have been. My husband stayed with me the entire time or it would have been bad. The radiology department kept me waiting on a gurney for about 20 minutes before I was taken in for the followup test, were not very helpful in moving me onto table for the x-ray, and after the procedure I was unable to move over as far as I needed to and they couldn't help me. Again kept me waiting in holding area for 1/2 hr in that uncomfortable position. The aids who took me back and forth, they would stop and talk to co-workers and not care if the "ride" was rough. Was admitted on Thursday AM and discharged Monday AM. Needed a soft gown, have someone stay with you.

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

On Saturday after surgery, had an uncontrolled bowel movement in the hospital bed. Was embarassing and had to have stool samples looked at over the next day to make sure there was nothing wrong. Just did what the doctor said and had no more problem with it.

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

In general, was quite busy at work that it took my mind off it. But when home, was so anxious that I could not sleep most nights. Had to have doctor prescribe sleeping pills about a week before surgery.

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

Was unable to sleep in my bed for 2 weeks. Wore my binder most of the time. My doctor believed in eating food from the beginning. Husband prepared my food for me, blending and chopping for me. Tried anything I craved to see if I could tolerate it. Was extremely tired. Walked as much as I could but didn't overdo it. I think most people can expect about the same. Of course, each person is different. Some will do worse than I did.

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

Within 5 miles from my home.

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 couple of weeks, I stuck to pureed foods--tuna salad, egg salad, scrambled Egg Beaters with cheese, refried beans with cheese. I added things as I felt like it. I have had a slight reaction to milk (tho not to yogurt or cottage cheese); in beginning was unable to drink juices, felt nauseated. When eating fibrous foods (corn, oranges, grits), I chew them a while and then spit out the fibrous materials. I have been lucky that I have had no reaction to any meat I have tried, other than anything that was too tough. There again, I would chew and spit out gristle or whatever. I have not tried any fried foods and don't miss that. I have been able to tolerate small amounts of sweet foods (a bite or 2 of a cookie or piece of cake). I have found that a bite of anything has hurt me.

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

For the first few weeks, I was extremely tired, unable to do anything for any length of time. Did a little walking. After a couple of months, I began doing some weights and resistance bands, walking on a glider. Now able to walk quite a while without having to rest.

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

Two multivitamins per day, two calcium supplements, extra magnesium, calcium and zinc tablet.

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?

Had occasional nausea if I took one bite too many, vomited 3 or 4 times after not chewing food well enough. Hair got really thin, was afraid as I had heard of a lot people losing a lot, including my sister who had to wear a wig for a while after she had her WLS. Being tired for so long was the worst for me. Actually lasted a couple of months.

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

The uncontrolled bowel movement while in hospital, the staples on incision itching, having them removed was really uncomfortable.

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

Attended a support group for lapband patients prior to my surgery and continue to do so. My doctor started a group about 4 months ago. Attend each of them monthly. I really enjoy them, feel that they are helpful and extremely important. Sharing experiences with others who are going thru the same things you are.

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

Dr had intially tried to do my surgery laparascopically and ended up having to open me up. The lap scars are very minimal. The large incision scar is very visible. As I had expected the lap RNY, having the large incision was not expected.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Have had no real plateaus. Have maintained only 3 weeks in all. All other weeks I have lost from 1/2 - 5 pounds per week.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I don't feel that I have as many people stare at me as before. People I don't know who work in my building have commented how good I look and talk to me.