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

I have known about bariatric surgery for many years, as long as I've been an operating room nurse. I always thought about having it done, I just never thought of myself as a candidate for the procedure. I have a classic hour glass figure, and I've always been able to carry my weight "well". I have also never had a problem getting a date. I guess what I'm trying to say is that my weight just crept up on me. One day, I'm a little pudgy, the next day my BMI is 45! I know that's not how it happened but it sure feels that way some times.

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

I have had the best experience with my insurance company. I am covered through work, Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. My PCP has been extremely supportive and submitted a letter of need in less then a week from our initial appointment! Once medical network recieved the letter, I was approved in about 48 hours. Talk about FAST. I have an appointment with my surgeon in two days. The only other appointments I'll need before a surgery day is set is a psych. eval and a nutritional consult. From start to surgery will take about three months, providing all goes well. Wish me luck!

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

My first visit with Dr. Scott Fisher was great. Not only did he resemble Orlando Bloom, he was very nice as well. We discussed everything about the surgery, from pre-op to intra-op and post-op expectations. As a surgical nurse, I understood the technical aspect of the procedure and therefore did not have many questions reladed to the actual surgery. He made me feel very comfortable. I knew before hand that he was the surgeon of choice for many nurses who have had the procedure. I do not doubt his skill and expertise in this arena. I would be sure to ask your surgeon what their personal complication rate is and what that may be. Use caution when choosing a surgeon who has done less then 200 surgeries. Any "kinks" if you will, should be worked out with the first 50 cases or so. This is only my professional opinion as a surgical nurse with over eight years of experience.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

The decision to have a laparoscopic roux-en-y was a simple one. Other then my diagnosis of morbid obesity, I have no co-morbiditiys. I want to keep it that way. I want to be healthy and have children. I also have a desire to be around to enjoy grandchildren. Call me silly, I know! I have this overwhelming desire to just be healthy. I'm not doing this for anyone but me. Fortunately, I have had tremendous support from my husband (Eric), friends and family. I am a lucky woman!

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I'm not sure why I chose to have a laparoscopic Roux-En-Y. I think the long term sucess of this procedure over the lap band procedure is a factor. Many people have chosen the lap band and have had great success, so please don't e-mail me with complaints! The reasearch I've done has shown me that the RNY was the right choice for me. Any time there is an "implantable" device like the lap band, there is going to be a risk of tissue erosion. It is considered a foriegn object by the body. That was only one factor that showed me the lap band procedure was not for me. You should alwasy discuss with your surgeon the pros and cons of both procedures. You never know, the surgeon you choose may only do one of the procedures.

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?

As a surgical nurse, I am MORE then familiar with the risks and potential complications of the surgery. I believe the benefit of a healthy life far out weights any potential risk. There is minimal bleeding associated with the laparoscopic Roux-En-Y even with the manipulation of the spleen and liver, the two solid organs in the peritoneal cavity. Post-op pain management is usually a morphine PCA. I will request an "On Q Pain Pump", this is an external device that delivers a small amount of local anesthetic to the surgical wounds for a period of a few days. We used this device at my last hospital for incisional pain with GREAT sucess and I understand that many bariatric surgeons are starting to use this to control pain. Morphine, as you know can cause decreased resperations (not good for patients with sleep apnea), constipation and sleepiness. Shoulder pain is also associated with this, and ANY laparoscopic procedure. Gasses left in the peritoneal cavity will be absorbed over the course of 72 hours or so, but irritation to the diaprhagm can cause refered pain to the shoulder area. The best way to get over this discomfort is to move around. Sorry, the nurse educator gets the better of me sometimes. If I can be of help to anyone or answer any questions, please feel free to e-mail 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?

My family and friends have been fantastic! I have their unconditional support. I was a bit nervous telling my mom, but she has been great. As soon as I have a date, she will be flying out to be with me for the surgery and recovery.

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

My supervisor and co-workers have been extremely supportive. I work with several nurses who have had the surgery and they look great. We have our own informal support group. Everyone has been helpful and answered many questions. I guess I'll be next in line to get the smaller scrubs!

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

I was in the hospital for three days and my care was exceptional. I stayed in a bariatric unit and my nurses were caring and professional. I recomend bring to the hospital loose clothes for discharge, you may pack on as much as 13 pounds from the I.V. fluids, like I did, and not be able to zip up your pants. Shampoo for when the nurses get you in the shower, and if you only brought one thing, make it a sleep mask. There is always light in your room, even at night.

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

I had a textbook perfect surgery, no complications.

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 didn't have any anxiety, I was well educated and prepared for my life change. I was excited to begin my new healthier life.

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

The first week at home was hard. The important thing to remember is to try to get in all of your water and to walk. This is the only was to get rid of the gas pain, which was uncomfortable. Each day gets easier and less painful. By the second week I hardley felt like I even had surgery. I found that I craved real food too, I didn't like the yogurt I bought.

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

Not far. I was only about a half an hour away from the hospital.

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.

BUY A FOOD SCALE! It will help you get the proper weight of food. Week 1; I had egg and salsa, yogurt, peanut butter and crackers, cheese quesidilla on wheat tortilla, minestroni broth, SF popsicles. Week 2; Ham and bean soup, spagettti with two wheat noodles and turkey sausage, baked beans, brunswick stew. Week 3; Turkey sausage (not good), steak, ham, potatoe, green beans, cheese and crackers, chili...

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

The first week after surgery I was fatigued after walking even a short bit. My activity and energy level has drastically improved the more time that has gone by. I'm waiting for my exersize phisotherapist to give me the o.k. for weight training. Hopefully in the next week or two I'll be able to start up at the gym. I am also hoping to return to work a week early. I see my surgeon for my one month follow up on 11/17/05 and will ask to go to work Thanksgiving week. I feel great!

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

I take sublingual B12, flintstone chewable and protonix (Rx) every day. Now, as of 02/28/07, I do a sub-q injection of B-12 monthly and a daily multi vitamine (One a Day for women).

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?

The hair loss was very bad between month 4 and 6. I shed like a husky in the spring! No way to avoid that though, just remember... it goes away.

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

The worst part of the process was the first twenty four hours post-op. I was in a lot of pain. Getting up for the first time post-op was also tough, the first day after the surgery was rough but as the day wore on moving became much easier. Every day the pain was less noticeable and by the second week post-op, I didn't feel like I even had surgery.

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

I don't attend any group/program. I have a few friends that have had the same surgery and we talk often. I think that if you don't have a support network, you should get into one. It's always good to discuss your progress.

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

Not bad at all. My surgery was laparoscopic, so I have six scars. That include my drain scar. They are very soft and light.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Well, mostly you get people who you know wouldn't speak to you pre-op trying to be your friend. I also find that people are quick to discriminate against obese people and voice that to me. When I tell them that I had the surgery for weight loss, they are disbelieving and then embarrassed for their comments.