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

A friend of mine was scheduled to have bariatric surgery. She worked with me for a few years, and helped patients in the practice where I work get approved by their insurance company for procedures. I correspond with her by e-mail since moving cross country. I told her that I wished I could do something about my weight, and was very frustrated. She asked if I had any medical problems related to it, and when I told her what they were, she told me that she thought I would qualify for WLS. She also told me about this website, and I started to check into it.

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

My stay in the hospital was pleasant. I was there for three days. For some of that time I was sedated, and don't remember that much. It was great that I had my "pillow" that the support group made for us. That's really important. I also had comfortable clothes to wear home. Most of the things necessary were provided by the hospital. The nurses were very nice. They allowed our support person to stay with us overnight if they wished, which was nice, but not necessary in my case.

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

I had only minor complications. The first was that I wasn't using the incentive spirometry enough, and my lungs were "dull." They were worried that I would get pneumonia, and encouraged me to work harder at this. They kept me one extra day, and I did improve. Next complication was trouble with one incision healing. This was the one in the umbilicus (belly button). When the surgeon removed the staples, it popped open, and took a few weeks to heal. I kept it clean, covered, and there was no infection. The next complication didn't develop until about six weeks, when I noticed I was nauseous most times after eating. They "stretched" the area where the food leaves the "Pouch" with an endoscope, and that fixed that.

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

Immediately post-op, I felt very tired and sore. I was not surprised, as I've had major surgery before. I found it very comforting that friends sent cards, flowers, and called. My husband and daughter were very supportive. Each day, I would feel a little better, and I took each day, one at a time. The most difficult part for me was eating. I looked forward to each upgrade in the diet. Basically, I did that with everything -- looked forward only to the next thing to do or the next obstacle (or test) to be over. That's what works for me. In general I expected to do well, and I wasn't going to settle for less! As the weight started to come off, that really helped. Also we have a coordinator for our program, and she called us every day for the first two weeks to see how we were -- that made a big difference.

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

In the first few weeks, it was hard work to do the incentive spirometry, walk as much as we were supposed to, and drink enough water. That pretty much kept us busy. As I said, I found it easy to deal with, because I only worried about one obstacle at a time, and had a very positive outlook. I think it's important to rest as much as you need to, and not be pressured to return to work or do things that you're not ready for. I also found it helpful to go for a ride and get out of the house after a couple of weeks. Don't expect too much of yourself right away, and you'll do okay. The first two weeks were the most difficult, but I was so tired, that I mainly rested. The next two weeks were a little easier, but it became more difficult to eat, and that required some adjustment. The weeks 4 to 6 were a big improvement, but I was still pretty tired, and looked forward to when that would go away. By six weeks, I felt terrific.

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

I was very fortunate, and was able to have the surgery less than five miles from my home. It made it much easier to be home immediately post-op, and of course, the aftercare was very easy. I drove myself to the doctor for post-op visits, and it was no 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.

My surgeon has a very strict program, and gave us a book describing our diets and activities immediately post-op. When we first came home from the hospital, we were only allowed to have sugar-free jello, water, broth and Isopure (clear liquid protein). That was in effect until two weeks post-op. At two weeks, we were allowed to add a protein shake once a day. At three weeks,we added an egg. I was disappointed to find that the egg didn't "sit well." To this day, I don't really tolerate an egg that well! At four weeks, we were allowed "soft" foods, such as unsweetened low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. This continued to six weeks. At six weeks, we were encouraged to add some light food, such as tuna and deli-sliced meats, etc. We are also told to only eat three meals a day -- no snacking. We start with protein first. My tolerance for food has gradually increased to where I can eat almost anything. Of course, since I had the RNY, I cannot eat anything sweet, and have to be careful with fruit also. I have had dumping once -- very miserable, and a few times since then I have also had bad diarrhea after having fruit or something too sweet. It was very gradual, and until three or four months, I did the best with very soft foods. I had my stretching at six weeks, which improved my tolerance for food, and eliminated the nausea which I was having prior to that. I've only vomited about three or four times since the surgery. Most times, that followed when I ate too much at once. I am able to eat three small high protein meals each day, and I tolerate them well.

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

For the first six weeks, my activity level was fairly low. I started to walk more and more by six weeks. At three months, I started to work out at the gym, and I now do that three or more times per week. I can tolerate up to 45 minutes on the treadmill and my knees aren't bothering me most of the time.

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

I take two chewable vitamins daily (Walmart brand -- Active Kids Complete), and also take Tums (two or three a day) for calcium. I also use Biotin lozenges daily (to help hair and nails). In addition, once a week, I take sublingual B 12. I usually have a protein shake once a day (I make it with soy milk); and I usually have Isopure (clear protein drink), half in the mid-morning, and half later in the day. I have had problems with low potassium, so I usually take one potassium supplement daily or try to have a banana.

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 think that dumping was probably the worst side effect. I had it in full only once. It was about three or four weeks after surgery, when I was allowed soft food. I had a little bit of applesauce (unsweetened), and that brought it on. Since then, I have been very careful, and except for severe diarrhea (which I have had three or four times), haven't had any more problems with that. I have not had any sleep problems -- wasn't sleeping that well before surgery, but sleep somewhat better now. I have had a little hair loss (for which I take Biotin and use Nioxin hair products), and that bothers me. My hair is very fine, and a little scarce these days, but I'm confident tht it will come back. It isn't real obvious right now, and I'm dealing with it.

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

+That's a tough question to answer -- none of it has been horrible. I guess I would have to say the time between getting approved and the actual surgery. Anticipation of what was to come was the worst for me. Also, I was worried about what procedures would be done either immediately pre-op or post-op. Actually, most of my worrying was for nothing. I would do this all over in a heartbeat!

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

I have a three-fold aftercare. First of all, I have follow-up appointments with my surgeon until a year. He is always there for us, and his staff is wonderful. If I have any questions, I can call at anytime. Next, the coordinator from the hospital. She is excellent. She calls from time to time, and I feel comfortable calling her if I have any questions/problems. Then, of course, we have the support group. Our support group is terrific. I go to monthly meetings, belong to the list-serv, and if there are any questions, I ask them. I think that all of these support systems are very important. It's amazing how much helf everyone can be.

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

I have "many" (actually seven) little scars. They are all on my abdomen, kind of in a big circle. At this point, they are hard, and still quite noticeable. They are not horrible, and I'm sure they will fade some with time. I have no discomfort in any of them. They are not significant enough to worry about!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have had slow weight loss, but I was told that that is to be expected, since I was "only" 78 lbs. overweight. As of this point, I have lost 45 lbs., and have approximately 33 lbs. to go to get to my goal. When I "plateau", I increase my protein (and calories) to be sure that I am eating between 800 and 1000 calories per day. That has worked so far. Of course, that sometimes means "snacking", but I try to have high protein snacks. I am only losing approximately 5 lbs. per month at this point.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, people do treat you differently when you are not obese. It's sad. Also, I think I feel better about myself, and perhaps that helps with the way people treat me. I've had lots of people tell me how "terrific" I look, which is always encouraging.