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

My weight loss journey 2, (from my diary) After my decision that I would fight this weight war with both guns blaring I started to get information on gastric bypass surgery. The local newspaper had articles about a few types of current weight loss surgeries. I searched the internet for anything related to the articles. I watched Oprah when she had guests who had weight loss surgeries as well as the ongoing TV celebrities who were in the news when they surcommed to the knife for life. The day before I was going to see my physician I blurted out to my husband My decision to have gastric by pass. He was shocked and speechless and I said I already made the choice. My physician was supportive. She gave me the name of a bariatric clinic in the local hospital. My husband and I attended a lecture and a question and answer session. I now have his blessing. I have everything planned out in my mind. I know me, my body and all of its quirks, and how my stubbornness will be to my advantage. I have detailed plans on how my business will be run while I am recuperating. I have spoken to my youngest daughter to come home from college for a few weeks to give me a hand. The timing is right. By summer I will be ready to continue my favorite (and only) exercise, swimming. I cant believe how s l o w the clinic wants to do things. I cant believe that I will have to fight with the insurance company to cover this life saving surgery. I have learned that my body index, that magical number that all is based on, is 66.9! Anything over 40 qualifies for the surgery, 40 is the number for morbid obesity. I am more than one and a half times the morbid obesity definition. I will meet the surgeon, a dietician, a psychologist or psychiatrist and together they will decide if I am a candidate. I am, I am, I am!

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

June 2004: I recieved a verbal "NO!" from the insurance company today. I have been in the process of pre-qualification for the surgery. Had my testing done and psyc. evaluation. I am in the process of loosing the 10% of weight my surgon need me to loose. My husband went to the supperintendent of schools (his employeer) with a handfull of letters from my PCP, himself, I wrote about my state and life as a 440 pound woman (crawling up the stairs on my hands and knees to get to bed each night). I received an e-mail today, I was approved!!!!! Our insurance is self funded and the other insurance just handles the paperwork. So, do not give up, wright personal letters and beg for this if you have too.

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

I saw more than one surgeon, at more than one location to choose. I went to seminars and asked questions. Once I choose my Dr. I was ready.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Do this or die is a motivation!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I let the Dr. decide.

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 went into surgery in great peace, well informed and ready for a new life. But I must confess, my house was never so organized and clean....just in case.

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?

I had support from everyone, I have a loving husband who wants me around for a long time! My daughters were happy too, they were 21 and 24 at the time of surgery.

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

I am self employed, and was back to work in 8 days with no lifting. I run an in home day care center for 24 years, my clients come to me from a waiting list and are so happy with the care here. I had my husband home on family leave for 6 weeks till I was truely in charge again.

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

3 days, 2 nights stay. My hospital was great, even the bed was able to bend and lift me up like a recliner, but it was a bed! Bring a pillow for the ride home and if you laugh a lot!

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

none

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

Everything was a learning experience, eating, drinking moving around. I was happy. I am a optimist.

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

I could not sleep in my bed, so I used a recliner, I recommend this.

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

7 miles

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

I was walking in the mall by day 6, normal activity in 6 weeks.

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

Chromagen Forte: b12, iron and folic acid capsule Multi vitamin citracal: calcium citrate protein drinks in the beginning, the first 3 months at least

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?

Evening mucus and vomiting for 9 months. Thank God, no hair loss!

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

I was not ready for how skin looks with major weight loss, I was dissapointed in my body and how I felt about being so odd looking. Not everything is rosy with weight loss and exercise cannot fix loose skin.

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

This is the most important thing after surgery. Twice a month a Nurse and Dietition are answering your questions along with others who have gone through the same experience.

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

Hardly noticeable anymore (I am 2 years out).

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

After 18 months I started exercising and it took about 6 months to move the scale downwards again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes, People smile at me instead of snickering. Sales people notice that I am in the store and ASK IF THEY CAN HELP ME! I needed more help when I was heavy.